Maggie Smith tributes: Harry Potter and Downton Abbey co-stars pay respect to acting legend

Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Dame Maggie Smith as an “icon of the stage and screen”.

Writing on X, Mr Sunak said: Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith - an icon of the stage and screen.

“She touched many lives across many generations with her incredible performances. Rest in peace.”

Maggie Smith’s heartbreaking death coincidentally comes exactly one year after the passing of her Harry Potter co-star Michael Gambon.

The Irish actor, who starred as Professor Dumbledore, died on September 27, 2023, at the age of 82.

Other Harry Potter stars who have died include Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid) and Leslie Phillips (voice of the sorting hat), both of whom died in 2022.

Find the list of other Harry Potter stars who’ve died over the years:

Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy) in 2021

Verne Troyer (goblin Griphook) in 2018

John Hurt (Garrick Ollivander) in 2017

Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) in 2016

Dave Legeno (Fenrir Greyback) in 2014

Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) in 2013

Timothy Bateson (voice of house elf Kreacher) in 2009

Robert Knox (Marcus Belby) in 2008

Richard Harris (the original Dumbledore) in 2002

Over the course of her iconic, years-long film career, Maggie Smith earned an astounding six Oscar nominations, of which she won two.

Smith won her first Academy Award in 1969 for her lead role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She won her second nearly 10 years later in 1978 for her supporting role in California Suite.

She earned three other Best Supporting Actress nominations for her roles in Othello (1965), A Room with a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001), as well as a second Best Lead Actress nod in 1972 for her performance in Travels with My Aunt.

Maggie Smith once said of her role in Downton Abbey: “I am deeply grateful for the work… but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel I was acting.”

Her character Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, became a fan-favourite thanks to her zingy lines in the period drama – and perhaps it was Smith’s affinity with the wise woman, and her own acerbic wit, that enabled her to deliver them so well.

In celebration of Downton Abbey’s 10th anniversary in 2020, The Independent’s Ellie Harrison compiled Smith’s best quotes from the show…

Read more:

Downton Abbey turns 10: Maggie Smith’s best quotes

The Dowager Countess of Grantham’s zingiest quotes, on everything from romance to class

American actor Rob Lowe, who appeared with Dame Maggie Smith in 1993 BBC drama Suddenly, Last Summer, described his late co-star as a “lion”.

In a post on X, he wrote: “Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion.

“She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms Smith!”

Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the film franchise, has paid tribute to the“revered head of Gryffindor house” Maggie Smith, in the wake of her death.

“Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community. My favourite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time,” Wright, 33, wrote on Instagram.

A memorable moment from the 2018 documentary Tea With the Dames is circulating on X following the death of Maggie Smith.

In the scene, Smith is seen speaking to fellow dame and actor Judi Dench.

“We’re gonna work forever if we’re asked,” Dench says, to which Smith responds: “But you’re always asked first, if I may say so.”

“Don’t turn on me!” Dench replies, with Smith joking: “I’m turning on you. It’s all coming out now.”

King Charles has shared a message of condolence following the passing of Maggie Smith.

“My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage,” he said in a statement.

The official Downton Abbey X account has shared a tribute to star Maggie Smith.