When Maggie Smith Was Made Memeber of the Companions of Honour By Queen Elizabeth; See Here as Harry Potter Star Passes Away at 89

As a lifestyle expert with a profound appreciation for the arts, I can confidently say that Maggie Smith was not just an actress; she was a living testament to the power of dramatic storytelling. Her portrayal of Professor McGonagall and Downton Abbey’s Violet Crawley will forever be etched in our collective memory.


As a devoted fan, I’m deeply saddened to share the news that Maggie Smith, famously known for her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in all seven Harry Potter films, has passed away at the age of 89 on September 27. Her demise has left many hearts heavy around the globe, as we bid farewell to a cherished and legendary figure. Smith is not only renowned for her work in the Harry Potter series but also as a critically acclaimed Shakespearian actress who has won two Academy Awards.

2014 saw the Downton Abbey actress being inducted into the Order of the Companions of Honor, a prestigious group that recognizes significant contributions to various fields. This honor was bestowed upon her in a ceremony held at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England. Notable members of this exclusive circle include Professor Stephen Hawking, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen, who have also made remarkable strides in their respective domains.

At an event, the late Queen Elizabeth II personally bestowed an Oscar-winning actress with a gold badge and they were said to have had a private discussion during the occasion. However, Smith chose not to speak following the ceremony. The Order of the Companions of Honor or Order of Merit was initially established in 1917 by King George V, who also created the Order of the British Empire at that time.

The sad news about Smith’s passing was shared by her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens in a statement, stating that she passed away peacefully in a hospital early on Friday, September 27th. In the same statement, they referred to their late mother as a deeply private individual who had loved ones with her when she took her final breath.

She is survived by two sons and five adoring grandchildren, all deeply saddened by the passing of their remarkable mother and grandmother. In addition, they expressed gratitude towards the compassionate and caring team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their support during her last days.

Numerous famous personalities, including her co-stars from Downton Abbey, honored the late actress with tributes. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, show creator Julian Fellowes expressed that Smith was “an exceptional actress” and those who had the opportunity to watch her perform were “extremely fortunate.

She was delightful to work with, complex, multi-dimensional, intelligent, humorous, and heartrending,” she commented further. Similarly, co-star Hugh Bonneville stated in an interview that the actress possessed keen insight, quick humor, and outstanding acting skills.

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2024-09-27 20:37