The world has lost a true legend today, as Dame Maggie Smith – everyone’s favorite sharp-tongued professor and queen of sass – has bid us all a fond farewell. Known for turning people into ferrets in Harry Potter and turning heads in Downton Abbey, Dame Maggie “floated off on a cloud of grace and impeccable timing” early this morning, Friday 27th September, according to her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
“Ever the mysterious and private soul, she chose to exit as dramatically as she entered every room – with family and friends by her side, and a script none of us could quite follow. She leaves behind two sons, five grandchildren, and a trail of devastated fans wondering how we’ll ever survive without her wit, her wisdom, and that stare that could wither a plant,” the boys said, likely over a cup of tea that she brewed perfectly, even from beyond.
The family extended a heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. “They cared for our mother with such love and patience – even when she called them ‘dunderheads’ and demanded extra biscuits,” her sons added.
Maggie, who could command an entire room with one arch of an eyebrow, graced over 50 films and nabbed two Academy Awards, making the rest of Hollywood wonder if they should just pack it in. She first won for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969, a film where she proved teachers are much scarier off-screen, and again in 1978 for California Suite, where her brilliance shone brighter than the California sun.
She leaves behind a legacy bigger than the sorting hat and more iconic than Violet Crawley’s eye-roll. And while we can’t help but mourn the loss, we’re pretty sure somewhere in the great beyond, Dame Maggie is raising a quizzical eyebrow at all the fuss, wondering what took us so long to notice she’d left.
RIP, Dame Maggie – you’ve taken your final bow, and the standing ovation will never end. 🌹
