Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance
Dame Maggie Smith, Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter star, died aged 89, her family confirms.
A two time Oscar winner and a legend of the stage and screen, Smith was regarded one of the greatest actors of her time. She started her acting career on stage at the Oxford Playhouse and went on to make a name for herself and remained under the limelight for a stunning number of years.
The news of her sudden passing was shared by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
“She died quietly this morning, Friday, September 27, in the hospital. A deeply private individual, she passed away surrounded by loved ones,” their joint statement read.
“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,” it continued.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” Smith’s sons concluded.
Throughout her long and rich career, Smith appeared in feature films such as Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and more recently Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s The Miracle Club.
Back in 2009, Smith disclosed with the public that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She opened up about receiving treatments and filming scenes as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the same time.
“I used to go to treatment on my own, and nearly everybody else was with somebody,” she told Tim Teeman. “I wouldn’t have liked that. Why would you want to make anybody sit in those places?”
She had also opened up about her own mortality. “I was relieved to be the age I was because by now you feel like it’s all over anyway.
“That’s why I hated seeing young people receiving treatment [at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London]. I couldn’t bear that, it didn’t seem fair. To be honest, you feel so ghastly you wouldn’t mind dying a lot of the time.”
Smith was married twice. Her second husband, screenwriter Beverley Cross, whom she considered the great love of her life, passed away in 1998, leaving her mourning his loss until her own passing.
She wasn’t known as someone who was spotted in public often, so her last public appearance left her fans startled.
It was at the Wimbledon men’s singles final that Smith was spotted in public. Dressed elegantly, in a navy blue shirtdress with a stylish dot pattern on it accessorized with a blue jacket and black leather heels, she stunned many.
The photos of her and her stunning choice of outfit, which she had completed with a pink lipstick, received plenty of comments. “So elegant!” one person commented. “You [look] so beautiful,” another added.
Following her passing, tributes came pouring in. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first to share his condolences, saying Smith “was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”
Hugh Bonneville, fellow Downtown Abbey co-star, said: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.
“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”
Smith’s passing represents an immense loss for the acting world. May she rest in peace.
Never-before-seen pictures of Princess Diana
Individuals globally embraced Princess Diana, a cherished icon of her time. Join us on a nostalgic journey as we delve into unique and captivating photographs that unveil a more profound understanding of her extraordinary life. These are the instances that will undoubtedly bring joy and warmth to your heart.
Captured in this image is Diana during a skiing escapade to Austria accompanied by her children, Harry and William. The snapshot was taken in the aftermath of Harry’s ninth birthday celebration. The charm of the young prince is undeniable, and the entire family exudes a captivating allure!
Frequently hailed as “The People’s Princess”, Diana actively engaged in various humanitarian endeavors, serving as a beacon of kindness and love. Here, we witness Princess Diana during her visit to an orthopedic workshop in Luanda, Angola, where she compassionately interacts with victims of landmines.
The treasury of Diana’s enchanting photographs seems boundless. This particular snapshot captures a moment from 1971 when she was enjoying a vacation in Itchenor, West Sussex. Additionally, a charming image was taken outside Diana’s residence at Coleherne Court, London, before her engagement to Charles.
In this candid moment, Harry playfully sticks out his tongue to the crowd gathered around Buckingham Palace, eliciting a surprised reaction from Diana. The spontaneous display of youthful exuberance is a delightful glimpse into their dynamic.
The enduring appeal of the royal apparel brand Barbour is exemplified in Princess Diana’s fondness for it. Her choice to wear a Barbour-style waxed cotton jacket during her 1985 journey to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland showcased her impeccable taste. The renowned royal photographer Jayne Fincher, known for capturing some of Princess Diana’s most iconic images, accompanied the royal couple on their official engagements to the Outer Hebrides. Despite the challenging weather conditions of wind and rain, Diana looked remarkably happy in the images from the trip. Jayne Fincher, reflecting on the experience, noted Diana’s uncommonly joyful appearance, even in adverse weather, emphasizing the contrast with her own disheveled state.
The photograph capturing a moment from Diana’s last summer alive portrays her alongside boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed on a boat in St. Tropez, France, joyfully jumping into the water. It serves as a poignant reminder of Diana’s enduring legacy as a truly great and loving human being.
The photograph capturing a moment from Diana’s last summer alive portrays her alongside boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed on a boat in St. Tropez, France, joyfully jumping into the water. It serves as a poignant reminder of Diana’s enduring legacy as a truly great and loving human being.
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