The world of entertainment has lost a true luminary with the recent passing of Maggie Smith. The news has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from her colleagues and fans alike.
This Oscar and Emmy Award-winning actress, who passed away at the age of 89, leaves behind an enduring legacy that spans several decades. Perhaps most notably, she is remembered for her iconic performance as the acerbic Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in the beloved PBS series Downton Abbey. Hugh Bonneville, who portrayed Violet’s son Lord Grantham, shared his reflections with The Hollywood Reporter: “Anyone who ever acted alongside Maggie can vouch for her keen perception, quick wit, and exceptional talent. She was a true icon of her era, and her remarkable performances will forever resonate. My condolences go out to her sons and the entire family.”
Michelle Dockery, who played Lady Mary, Violet’s granddaughter on Downton Abbey, expressed her gratitude for having known such a unique talent: “There was nobody else like Maggie. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known such a trailblazer. She will be sincerely missed, and my thoughts are with her family during this time.”
Daniel Radcliffe, who had the pleasure of working with Smith on the Harry Potter series, reminisced about their first encounter when he was just a boy. “I was nervous meeting her but she quickly put me at ease. Her kindness on the set of David Copperfield was unforgettable, and I had the privilege of working with her for a decade on the Harry Potter films. She was both intellectually formidable and delightfully funny, capable of intimidating and charming seamlessly. I will always feel grateful for the time I spent around her. The word legend is frequently used, but it fits her perfectly. Thank you, Maggie.”
Whoopi Goldberg, who shared the screen with Smith in Sister Act, paid tribute via Instagram: “Maggie Smith was a remarkable woman and an extraordinary actress. I still can’t believe I had the good fortune to work with this one-of-a-kind talent. My deepest sympathies go out to her family. Rest in peace.”
Rob Lowe, who collaborated with Smith in a 1993 adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ Suddenly, Last Summer, shared his sentiments as well: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Dame Maggie Smith’s passing. Working with her was an unforgettable experience; sharing a scene felt like being next to a lion. She could easily overshadow anyone, and often did, but she was also funny and delightful to be around. She had no patience for foolishness. We may never see another talent like hers. Godspeed, Ms. Smith!”
Feel free to share your own tributes to Maggie Smith in the comments below.