The world mourns the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic actress renowned for her unforgettable roles in the “Harry Potter” series and “Downton Abbey,” as well as her immense contributions to the stage and screen over a career spanning more than six decades. Dame Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and a vast body of work that has touched audiences around the globe.

Born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, England, Dame Maggie Smith began her illustrious career on stage in the 1950s, swiftly becoming a prominent figure in British theater. Her remarkable talent soon transitioned to the big screen, where she delivered a series of powerful performances that garnered critical acclaim.

Smith’s prowess as an actress was best recognized with two Academy Awards. She took home her first Oscar for Best Actress in 1970, for her role as an unconventional teacher in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” a performance that highlighted her knack for complex character portrayals. Her second Oscar, for Best Supporting Actress, came in 1979 for her role in “California Suite,” further cementing her status as a cinematic icon.

In more recent years, Dame Maggie Smith became beloved by a new generation of fans through her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series. Her nuanced performance brought the character’s stern yet caring nature to life, earning admiration from viewers young and old. Simultaneously, Smith captivated television audiences with her portrayal of the sharp-tongued and formidable Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the critically acclaimed series “Downton Abbey.”