Dame Maggie Smith has died: her life and career in pictures

Dame Margaret Natalie Smith was born on December 28th, 1934, in Ilford, London, England. She died at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London on September 27th, 2024. Her death was confirmed in a statement from her two sons.

Smith left high school at the age of 16 to begin to study acting. She made her stage debut as a student in 1952.

Smith received her first of many BAFTA nominations for her role as 'Bridget Howard' in the film.

The nominations, awards, and accolades she received for her stage and film work were innumerable. She won her first Academy Award for best actress in 1969 for her lead role in 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.'

During their marriage, the couple shared the screen in 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.' They shared two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens. Smith and Stephens divorced in 1975.

Not long after her divorce to Robert Stephens was finalized, Smith married her great love, playwright and screenwriter, Alan Beverley Cross.

She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the comedy, 'California Suite,' which also starred Michael Caine, Alan Alda, and Jane Fonda.

During their life together, Cross was the stepfather to Smith's two sons. He died in London, in 1998, due to an aneurysm.

Smith was diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland and can cause a number of symptoms including bulging eyes. Smith took time away from the stage to undergo radiotherapy and surgery to treat the condition.

Smith was diagnosed with b r e a s t cancer and endured grueling treatment during the filming of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,' Following two years of treatment, she was found to be cancer free.

As Professor Minerva McGonegal, Smith appeared in seven of the eight films in the 'Harry Potter' franchise.

Smith delighted fans with her exceptional performance in the British period drama. She won three Emmy awards, one Golden Globe, and three Screen Actors Awards for her masterful portrayal of the Crawley family matriarch.

'Tea With the Dames' featured conversations with other acclaimed British actors including Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, and Joan Plowright, all of whom had been awarded the title of 'Dame.'

Smith had a leading role in the 2023 Irish drama alongside Laura Linney and Kathy Bates.

Smith continued to work in theatre, film, and television well into her eighties. She embraced her roles in the later years of her career and continued to enthrall audiences with her humour, wit, and charm.

Among those paying tribute to Smith were King Charles and Queen Camilla who referred to Smith as 'a national treasure.' As fans continue to share their grief at the loss of Smith, many are expressing gratitude for her contributions, comforted by her legacy that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.