The entertainment world and the entire community of devoted fans painfully unite in the memory of Maggie Smith, the extraordinary British interpreter who passed away last September 27 at the age of 89 after a slow hospitalization. The diva of the biting comedy, who in addition to humor was able to juggle excellent dramatic roles, is remembered for the Oscar in '69 with the role of the protagonist Jean Brodie in "The Strange Birth of Jean" and later in '87 for the best supporting actress in "A Room with a View".

In recent years, the actress has been best known for her unforgettable role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series , and more recently as Countess Violet Crawley in the television series “Dowton Abbey.” The news of her death, along with the memory of a sweet and loving person before a great artist, came with a statement from her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens that read: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27. She was a very private person, but at the end of the day she was surrounded by friends and family. She leaves behind two children and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Looking back on their experiences on set together, Julian Fellowes, creator of the TV show Downton Abbey, shared some touching testimonies for Variety: " Maggie Smith was a truly magnificent actress and we were beyond fortunate to be part of the final act of her stellar career. She was a joy to write for. She was subtle, layered, intelligent, funny and heartbreaking. Working with her was the greatest privilege of my career and I will never forget her."

Also citing Smith's performance as one of the best in the entire series, producer Gareth Neame added: "It was a huge honour for the entire cast and crew of Downton Abbey to work with her. She was an actress of enormous stature, capable of going from comedy to utter tragedy. Off-screen she was particularly close to the cast who played the other family members and was so generous and encouraging to the younger actors."

For Julian Fellowes, the relationship with Smith was almost a blood bond, considering that his grandfather directed the actress many years earlier in “ Jean Brodie and Violet Grantham are just two creations in an extraordinary career that has spanned decades and delighted audiences around the world. There is only one Maggie Smith and she will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”

Among the many public figures who paid tribute to the star was King Charles. In a message from the entire royal family, the British monarch said: "My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain falls on a national treasure, we join with all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, her warmth and her intelligence that shone on and off stage."

And Daniel Radcliffe, the famous actor in Harry Potter, could not be missing from the roll call. In memory of the experiences he had alongside Smith, he wanted to share the following thought: «The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old and we were reading scenes from David Copperfield, which was my first job. I knew practically nothing about her except that my parents were impressed by the fact that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when I met her was: do you want me to call you Dame? She laughed and said something like: don't be ridiculous! I remember feeling nervous when I met her and then she immediately put me at ease. The word legend is used too much, but if it can be used for anyone in our industry, then that's her. Thank you Maggie».

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