Academy Award-winning actress Maggie Smith, best known for her roles in the Harry Potter franchise and Downton Abbey, has passed away. She was 89.
Her publicist confirmed the news Friday (Sept. 27), according to the Associated Press.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, also confirmed her passing in a statement with the BBC.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end,” they said.
They added, “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days,” their statement noted. “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
This is a developing story. More to come…