Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance
Dame Maggie Smith, Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter star, died aged 89, her family confirms.
A two time Oscar winner and a legend of the stage and screen, Smith was regarded one of the greatest actors of her time. She started her acting career on stage at the Oxford Playhouse and went on to make a name for herself and remained under the limelight for a stunning number of years.
The news of her sudden passing was shared by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
“She died quietly this morning, Friday, September 27, in the hospital. A deeply private individual, she passed away surrounded by loved ones,” their joint statement read.
“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,” it continued.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” Smith’s sons concluded.
Throughout her long and rich career, Smith appeared in feature films such as Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and more recently Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s The Miracle Club.
Back in 2009, Smith disclosed with the public that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She opened up about receiving treatments and filming scenes as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the same time.
“I used to go to treatment on my own, and nearly everybody else was with somebody,” she told Tim Teeman. “I wouldn’t have liked that. Why would you want to make anybody sit in those places?”
She had also opened up about her own mortality. “I was relieved to be the age I was because by now you feel like it’s all over anyway.
“That’s why I hated seeing young people receiving treatment [at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London]. I couldn’t bear that, it didn’t seem fair. To be honest, you feel so ghastly you wouldn’t mind dying a lot of the time.”
Smith was married twice. Her second husband, screenwriter Beverley Cross, whom she considered the great love of her life, passed away in 1998, leaving her mourning his loss until her own passing.
She wasn’t known as someone who was spotted in public often, so her last public appearance left her fans startled.
It was at the Wimbledon men’s singles final that Smith was spotted in public. Dressed elegantly, in a navy blue shirtdress with a stylish dot pattern on it accessorized with a blue jacket and black leather heels, she stunned many.
The photos of her and her stunning choice of outfit, which she had completed with a pink lipstick, received plenty of comments. “So elegant!” one person commented. “You [look] so beautiful,” another added.
Following her passing, tributes came pouring in. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first to share his condolences, saying Smith “was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”
Hugh Bonneville, fellow Downtown Abbey co-star, said: “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.”
Smith’s passing represents an immense loss for the acting world. May she rest in peace.
Breaking: Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse Welcome First Baby, Share a Tender Photo
Robert Pattinson, known for his role in Twilight, and Suki Waterhouse have been in a steady relationship for over five years. Now, the couple is celebrating the arrival of their first child and has shared the baby’s first photo.
A special pregnancy announcement.
At the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico, Suki Waterhouse shared a personal surprise with her audience. Dressed in a radiant pink dress and feathered coat, she teased the crowd saying, «I’m extra sparkly today because I thought it might distract you from something else that’s going on.» With a dramatic gesture, she opened her coat, revealing her pregnancy to the excited fans.
The couple was seen on a walk with a baby stroller.
Suki Waterhouse, at the age of 32, has embraced motherhood. She’s recognized for her contributions to acting and music. Alongside her, Robert Pattinson, who is 37, was seen casually walking in Los Angeles, pushing a pink stroller. The couple’s relationship became public around July 2018 and by the year’s end, they were prepared to progress in their relationship. An insider has verified, «They are engaged. They both want to be married. It’s important for them.»
Suki shared the baby’s first photo.
On April 4, the actress and singer shared a glimpse of her newborn with the world. While the couple has kept the baby’s name and gender private, a photo shows the new mother lovingly looking at the camera, cradling her infant wrapped in a blanket adorned with hearts.
The caption for this tender snapshot read, «Welcome to the world angel ❤️.»
Another famous celeb who recently became a proud mama again is Gal Gadot. Read the full story here.
Preview photo credit Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News, sukiwaterhouse / Instagram
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