“Maggie Smith, the legendary British actress whose career on stage and screen spanned over seven decades, died Friday at the age of 89.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
Sandra Bullock, who had the pleasure of not only working with Smith on the comedy-drama film Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002), but also the honor of calling her a friend, was among the stars who paid tribute to the star’s legacy.
‘How lucky am I to have sat in quiet corners with Maggie and a glass of wine,’ Bullock, 60, told PEOPLE just hours after Smith’s sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed her passing.
‘Her stories, her wicked sense of humor and her gentle advice are all things that have made my life sweeter,’ Bullock added.
Smith was an acclaimed actress, whose accolades included two Academy Awards wins for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978), as well as five BAFTAs, three Gold Globe Awards, and a Tony Award for Lettice And Lovage (1990).
Bullock got to know Smith when they worked together on Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood as part of an ensemble cast that also featured Ellen Burstyn, Ashley Judd, James Garner, Fionnula Flanagan, Shirley Knight, and Angus Macfadyen.
Written and directed by Callie Khouri, who based the screenplay on author Rebecca Wells’ 1996 novel of the same name, the story follows Bullock’s character Siddalee ‘Sidda’ Walker as she revisits her childhood in Louisiana and reconnects with her mother Vivi (Burstyn) and Vivi’s childhood friends after they kidnap her.
Smith played the role of Caroline ‘Caro’ Bennett in the film, while Katy Sleverstone and Mary Katherine Weiss portrayed younger versions of the character.
Many younger fans know Smith for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in all six Harry Potter films (2002-2011) as well as the role of Violet Crawley in the British TV series Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).
The Ilford, Essex, England native made her professional debut on television in an episode of BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1955), which was followed by her film debut in the drama Child In The House (1956).
Some of her more popular films over the years included Death On The Nile (1978), Clash Of The Titans (1981), A Room With A View (1985), Romeo.Juliet (1990), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), The First Wives Club (1996), Tea with Mussolini (1999).
Smith’s last film role came in the drama, The Miracle Club (2023), for which she starred with Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, and Stephen Rea.
It had its premiere in June of last year at the Tribeca Festival in New York City.
Smith’s two sons confirmed their mother’s death via publicist Clair Dobbs in the morning hours on Friday.
‘It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,’ their statement read.
‘She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September,’ they continued, ‘An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.’
The statement ended with Stephens and Larkin thanking the ‘wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’ for the care they gave her in her final days, as well as the fans for their messages of support.
Stars across the pond in the States are also sharing many more tributes to the iconic performer such as Rob Lowe.
‘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,’ Lowe wrote via X, in a reference to their film Suddenly Last Summer (1993). ‘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!’
Maren Morris revealed how she has always loved Smith in such roles as The Secret Garden, Hook, Sister Act, Harry Potter, and Downton Abbey.
‘My childhood. Rest easy, Maggie Smith,’ she concluded her tribute.
Viola Davis heaped praise on Smith for ‘defying the expectations of age’ in a touching tribute.
‘The end of an era of the sheer definition of what it means to be an actor. You created characters that clung to us, moved us, entertained us……made us look within, the actress added. ‘You were greatness personified Dame Maggie Smith.’
Smith’s Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg gushed about working with the late actress twice in her lifetime.
‘Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,’ Goldberg shared Instagram, sharing a photo of the pair in their nun costumes.
‘I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the one-of-a-kind. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family … RIP.’
Smith is survived by her two sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin and her five grandchildren.