Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

Maggie Smith Tributes: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and More Honor Late Actress

Stars are mourning the loss of one of Hollywood’s most beloved legends. 

Dame Maggie Smith, the two-time Oscar winner later known for her roles as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey and as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, died Sept. 27, her family confirmed in a statement to E! News. She was 89. 

“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” the family—which includes her sons Chris Larkin, 57, and Toby Stephens, 55, whom she shared with ex husband Robert Stephens—said in a statement. “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.”

In addition to her family, Maggie leaves behind an untouchable legacy. And in her over 70-year career—which saw her earn a Best Actress Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and Best Supporting Actress nearly a decade later for California Suite—she played a part in some of the most iconic films of her time, like Hook, and Gosford Park and Sister Act. 

And following her death, Whoopi Goldberg reflected on their time working on the latter franchise together.

“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,” Whoopi wrote in a Sept. 27 Instagram post alongside a photo of the pair in the film. “I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind.’ My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. RIP.”

Meanwhile, Rob Lowe—who starred alongside Maggie in Suddenly, Last Summer—couldn’t say enough good things about the way she dominated the screen. 

“Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed,” Rob wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!”

And Maggie’s acting legacy touched many outside the industry, too. After all, the late 89-year-old—whose impressive resume also includes stage productions like Macbeth, Othello and Richard III —was granted dame status by the late Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the arts. 

Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock

In 2014, the late queen honored Maggie further by making her a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour, an award limited to 65 living people “of distinction,” whose members at the time also included Stephen Hawking, who died in 2018, and Ian McKellen. 

The late queen wasn’t the only one touched by Maggie’s art. In fact, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer also remembered the actress. 

“Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career,” he wrote in a post shared to X, formerly Twitter Sept. 27. “She was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.”

Keep reading to see every star’s tribute to Maggie.

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Emma Watson

“When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend—the woman I was fortunate enough to share space with,” the Harry Potter actress—who played Hermione Granger in the film franchise—wrote on Instagram Story. “It is only as I’ve become an adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness.”

Emma added of her late costar, “She was real, honest, funn and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own. Than you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you.”

Scott Myers/Shutterstock

Daniel Radcliffe

“The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job,” the Harry Potter alum detailed in a statement. “I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was ‘would you like me to call you Dame?’ at which she laughed and said something to the effect of ‘don’t be ridiculous!'”

Daniel went on to detail his lengthy on-set relationship with the beloved star. 

“I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease,” he added. “She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films. She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny. I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”

Paras Griffin/Getty Images

James Phelps

The actor, who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter saga, said it was “an honour to have been on the same set as Dame Maggie Smith.”

“On HP, she was always welcoming, funny and also showed how to act no just on set, but off too,” he added in a statement shared on social media. “My thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Kristin Scott Thomas

“So very, very sad to know she has gone,” the Godford Park star wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. “She was a true inspiration. She took acting very seriously but saw through the nonsense and razzmatazz. She really didn’t want to deal with that. She had a sense of humour and wit that could reduce me to a blithering puddle of giggles. And she did not have patience with fools. So you had to be a bit careful. I absolutely adored her.”

Kristin went on to laud the late actress for her youthful spirit.

“Her performances and her personality,” Kristin continued. “Her comedic timing was perfection and her vulnerability when required was heartbreaking. The last time I saw her she was very cross about being old. ‘Maddening’ I think she said. Much loved , much admired and irreplaceable. Rest in Peace dearest Maggie. Dame Maggie Smith.”

Jaap Buitendijk/Focus/Kobal/Shutterstock

Michelle Dockery

“There was no one quite like Maggie,” Michelle said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick. She will be deeply missed and my thoughts are with her family.”

Michael Tackett/Gaylord/All Girl Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock

Sandra Bullock

The Oscar winner reflected on her time filming 2002’s Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, telling People, “How lucky am I to have sat in quiet corners with Maggie and a glass of wine.”

She added, “Her stories, her wicked sense of humor and her gentle advice are all things that have made my life sweeter.”

Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for FOX/Shutterstock

Rob Lowe

“Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed,” Rob—who shared the screen with Maggie in the 90s—wrote in on X (formerly Twitter). “I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!”

Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock

Whoopi Goldberg

“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,” the Sister Act star wrote in an Instagram tribute. “I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind.’ My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. RIP.”

MJ Photos/BAFTA/Shutterstock

Hugh Bonneville

“Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” the Downton Abbey actor said in a statement to E! News. “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.” 

Paul Drinkwater/NBC

Julian Fellowes 

“Maggie Smith was a truly great actress and we were more than fortunate to be part of the last act in her stellar career,” the Downton Abbey creator said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “She was a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking. Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her.”

Victoria Jones/Shutterstock

Keir Starmer

The United Kingdom Prime Minister remembered the late actress on X, formerly Twitter, “She was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App