Maggie Smith, born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, England, was a renowned British actress celebrated for her wit and versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.

She began her stage career at the Oxford Playhouse in 1952 and made her professional debut on Broadway in 1956. Over her extensive career, she worked with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, establishing herself as one of Britain's most significant theatre performers.

Her film career took off with her Academy Award-winning performance in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" (1969) and "California Suite" (1978). She also gained international fame for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" film series (2001-2011) and as Violet Crawley in the British period drama "Downton Abbey" (2010-2015).

Her other notable films include "Death on the Nile" (1978), "Hook" (1991), "Sister Act" (1992), "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (2012), and "The Lady in the Van" (2015).

In her personal life, Maggie Smith was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both of whom became actors.

After divorcing Stephens in 1975, she married playwright Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998. Smith enjoyed a secluded life in Pulborough, West Sussex, where she lived in a 15th-century home with her late husband.

Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. She was one of the few performers to earn the Triple Crown of Acting, which includes an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony. In 1990, she was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth II.

She passed away on September 27, 2024, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated by audiences around the world.