According to a report from the BBC, renowned British actress Maggie Smith passed away on the morning of September 27, at the age of 89.

Maggie Smith

Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, issued a statement saying, “She passed away peacefully in the hospital in the early hours of Friday, September 27. She was a very private person and had friends and family by her side at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five lovely grandchildren who are heartbroken over the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the excellent staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and selfless support during the last few days of her life. We appreciate everyone’s kindness and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

Maggie Smith was born on December 28, 1934, in Essex, England. She developed a passion for acting from a young age and later received professional training at the Oxford School of Drama. Her notable works include “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” “California Suite,” the “Harry Potter” series, and “Downton Abbey,” where her portrayals of "Professor McGonagall" and "Lady Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham" have left a lasting impression on audiences.

Professor McGonagall from “Harry Potter”

Lady Violet Crawley from “Downton Abbey”

Throughout her nearly 50-year acting career, Maggie Smith received multiple Academy Award nominations, winning both the Oscar for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

Professor McGonagall has passed on, reuniting with Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape in another world. To date, over 20 actors from the “Harry Potter” series have departed from us.