Maggie Smith, who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies, dies at 89

Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89, according to a report fromThe New York Times.

Smith's two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced their mother died at a London hospital on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

We shared the statement from Smith's family, viaVariety:

"It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. 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. 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."

According to the report, her cause of death was not announced.

AtWizards and What Not, we know how much Smith meant and still means to the Wizarding World. Smith starred in all eightHarry Pottermoviesas Minerva McGonagall, the deputy headmistress, Transfiguration professor, and head of Gryffindor House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Smith'sperformance as Minerva McGonagallis iconic. Somehow, she brilliantly captured and portrayed the stern and rigid yet fiercely loyal and loving professor.

Smith's McGonagall is actually one of the first characters we meet inHarry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stonewhen she's waiting for Albus Dumbledore all day long at Number 4 Privet Drive. We learn so much about her in that scene, and that holds true through the next seven movies.

I don't know if there's anyone in the world who could have played that role in the way that Smith was able to. It's one of the reasons why McGonagall is such a beloved character and a crucial part of one of the most popular film franchises in history.

In addition to theHarry Pottermovies, Smith had an incredible career, starring recently inDownton Abbey, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Lady in the Van,and more. Smith won an Oscar for her role inThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodiein 1969.

Right now, all eight of theHarry Pottermovies are available to stream on MAX. According toTV Guide, there are no airings for theHarry Pottermovies in the next two weeks, so the only place in the US to watch theHarry Pottermovies via streaming is on MAX.

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