Dame Maggie Smith, Acclaimed Actress, Dies at 89

Dame Maggie Smith, the beloved British actress known for her roles in 'Harry Potter' and 'Downton Abbey', passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on September 27, 2024, surrounded by family. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her death, expressing gratitude for the care provided by the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital staff during her final days. Smith faced numerous health challenges throughout her life, including breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2007 and subsequently overcame, as well as Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that significantly impacted her health. Despite her battles, she continued acting and was open about her struggles with aging and health, even voicing a desire for assisted dying if she were to develop dementia. Remembered as an intensely private person, her family described her as an extraordinary mother and grandmother, leaving behind a legacy as one of the UK's national treasures.