&w=64&q=75)
Hollywood actress Maggie Smith, fondly known for her appearances in the Harry Potter movies and Downton Abbey, has passed away at age 89.
According to Sky News, the actress died in the hospital surrounded by loved ones, and the news of her passing was announced by her children Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.
In a statement, they said: "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. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time," they added.
She was popularly known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the seven Harry Potter films and won an Oscar in the Best Actress category for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and also Best Supporting Actress for California Suite in 1978.
Hugh Bonneville, who co-starred in Downton Abbey with Dame Maggie, paid tribute, saying, “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.”