Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance

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.

Fans say Roseanne Barr’s living situation is a ‘mess’ after star posts photo of bed

Actress and comedian Roseanne Barr made a big move to her macadamia nut farm in Hawaii after deciding to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

She even made the decision to eat a diet higher in plants!

Along with her longtime partner Johnny Argen, the aspiring farmer has been enjoying her quiet life on the 46-acre property.

Barr paid $1.78 million for the 2,212-square-foot Hawaiian refuge in 2007, which has stunning 360-degree views of the verdant grounds around the property.

The house, which has three bedrooms and three and a half baths, has served as Barr’s peaceful retreat in her senior years.

It gives Barr great pleasure to bring her granddaughters to the farm amid the peaceful surroundings. She once posted a cute photo of herself and her granddaughters walking over a large field of grass, showing a tender moment between a grandparent and a grandchild.

While appreciating the sweet moment, fans couldn’t help but remark on how different the legendary comedian she used to be was from the grandmother role she currently plays.

Barr gave an honest look into her life when she posted a picture of herself soundly dozing among boxes, clothes, and a laptop. Instagram users joked about the photo, captioning it, “Shop till you drop.” One user even suggested, “Fire your housekeeper!!!!”

Another person said, “No, she doesn’t need to fire her housekeeper [sic].” She is the one causing all of the mess! How depressing to see her like this! Extremely depressing! I am aware that nobody is flawless. However, no one would want to see her like this—she’s a huge celebrity! Yes, everyone has bad days from time to time, so you have every right to express that, but really—no way! You are far superior to that!

“Love Roseanne but I thought you were [sic] looking at a homeless camp [illegal substance] addict who passed out,” commented a third commenter.

Oh no. Individuals can be very rude at times!

Despite the divergent viewpoints, it’s obvious that Roseanne is still admired for her comedy and genuineness, whether she’s navigating farm life or sharing intimate moments.

How does Roseanne Barr seem to you? Tell us in the comments below!