‘You Held Your Own’: Emma Watson Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Harry Potter Costar Maggie Smith Amid Her Passing

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As a dedicated fan who grew up with the magic of Harry Potter, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. Her unparalleled talent and indomitable spirit have left an indelible mark on my life, not just as a viewer, but as a fellow artist.

I’m absolutely heartbroken as I pen this down, for my beloved Harry Potter co-star, the legendary Dame Maggie Smith, has left us today. On Friday, September 27th, I felt compelled to honor her memory on Instagram, sharing my deepest condolences and admiration for the remarkable woman she was. She will forever be engraved in our hearts as Professor McGonagall, a character she brought to life with such grace, wit, and strength. Her presence and talent will be sorely missed, but her impact on us all will live on, inspiring generations to come. #RestInPeaceDameMaggieSmith

In my younger years, I had no comprehension of Maggie’s legendary status – the remarkable woman who graced the screen alongside me. It wasn’t until adulthood that I truly recognized the honor of acting beside a paragon of greatness, as Watson penned. She further expressed, “Maggie was genuine, witty, and self-respecting. In a world dominated by male authority figures, you stood your ground admirably. Thank you for your kindness. You will be deeply missed.

According to statements from Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens provided to BBC, Smith sadly passed away at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by friends and family. Her sons and five grandchildren are left behind, deeply mourning the loss of an extraordinary mother and grandmother.

Smith was born in 1934 and spent her youth in Oxford, where she started acting at the city’s Playhouse theatre as a teenager. During this time, she starred in several acclaimed stage productions, one of which was Bamber Gascoigne’s 1957 musical comedy “Share My Lettuce,” opposite Kenneth Williams. In addition to her stage success, Smith also quickly moved into film roles.

In her initial significant cinematic appearance, she made waves with Nowhere to Go (1958), earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the BAFTAs. Although she didn’t win that particular award back then, she eventually claimed eight of those prestigious statues throughout her career, including one for a BAFTA Fellowship – the Academy’s highest accolade.

Maggie Smith earned two Oscars, one for her leading role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie where she won Best Actress in a Leading Role, and another for her supporting role in California Suite, for which she received the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award.

Beyond the thrill of the grand stage and silver screen, I’ve been utterly captivated by the mesmerizing performances that Maggie has graced us with. Among these enchanting roles, none quite compare to when she embodied the Countess of Grantham on the small screen, where her charm and grace left an indelible mark in Downton Abbey.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla honored Smith by expressing: “As the final act concludes for a national gem, we share in the global sentiments of remembering, with deepest admiration and affection, her outstanding acts on stage, as well as her charming humor that sparkled not only on set but also off.

In her private life, Smith had two marriages: first, with actor Robert Stephens from 1967 to 1975, followed by a union with Beverley Cross that lasted from 1975 until his passing in 1988.

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2024-09-28 06:23