Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic star of *Downton Abbey* and the *Harry Potter* franchise, has passed away at the age of 89, as announced on September 27. Her family revealed that she died peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by friends and family.
Her final public appearance took place at Wimbledon 2023, where she was spotted joyfully waving to fans and enjoying the matches. This rare outing occurred over a year ago, in July, and was attended by her daughter-in-law, Suki Stephens, and noted co-star Emma Watson, who also attended the event.
At Wimbledon, Dame Maggie wore a stylish navy blue shirt dress adorned with a dotted pattern, complemented by black leather heels and a blue overcoat. Her elegant look was completed with soft waves in her hair and a touch of pink lipstick.
Dame Maggie Smith leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having earned two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award throughout her illustrious career. Her family expressed their devastation at her loss in a heartfelt statement, emphasizing her intensely private nature and thanking the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care in her final days. They requested privacy during this difficult time, while also appreciating the outpouring of support from the public.