Actress and cinema legend Dame Maggie Smith passed away on September 27th at the age of 89. She left behind an unforgettable legacy, with an acting career spanning over seven decades. Smith was known for portraying many well-known characters, most recently Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey and Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter. She is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren.

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At the young age of 17, Smith made her start in theatre, portraying Viola in a production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the Oxford Playhouse. Then, four years later, she made her film debut in a small role in British drama Child in the House. Her career continued to rapidly progress, and in 1962, she won her first major award, the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress for her role in The Private Ear and The Public Eye.

This would be the first of the many prestigious awards Smith would win throughout her career, including two Oscars. She quickly solidified her legacy as one of the most well-known actresses of her generation. The Oscars she won were for her performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1978. In addition to these, she has won many Emmys, BAFTA awards, and Tony Awards.

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In The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Smith plays the movie's main character. Brodie, a teacher at a school in Scotland, is far from typical, with many of her teaching methods being unconventional. Her character has more than one side to it, as she is shown to be devoted to her students but also somewhat selfish. Smith was commended for her ability to play the role in a very convincing manner. David Kehr, a well-known film critic, described Smith's portrayal of Jean Brodie as “one of those technically stunning, emotionally distant performances that the British are so good at.” For the role, Smith won both an Oscar and a BAFTA award.

Smith won another Oscar (Best Supporting Actress) for her performance as Diana Barrie in California Suite. Ironically, in the movie, Smith’s character is an actress hoping to win an Oscar. Barrie is similar to Smith’s role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, as she is shown to be complicated and multifaceted. Smith was praised for being able to successfully portray Barrie’s emotional struggles whilst still bringing out the more comedic elements of the role.

Later in life, she continued to take on notable roles, becoming known to a new generation of fans. From 2001 to 2011, she portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall, a sharp-tongued yet caring character, in the Harry Potter film series. Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Harry Potter films, said he thought Smith was perfect for the role because she was “someone that you were intimidated by but someone who had a real sense of warmth and heart.”

Then, from 2010 to 2016, she was Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in the hit British drama Downton Abbey. The character quickly became one of the show's most beloved, known for her sharp wit and brilliant one-liners. Some of her more memorable quotes include “What is a weekend?” and “I don't believe in defeat.” According to Smith, this was her true entry into mega-stardom. She said she “was able to live a somewhat normal life” until she started doing ‘Downton Abbey.’

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Many of Smith's co-stars from over the years have paid tribute to her online.

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger alongside Smith in Harry Potter, wrote in an Instagram post, “she was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own.”

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, said she was “a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.”

Hugh Bonneville, who portrayed Smith's son in Downton Abbey, paid tribute to her by saying “anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances."

Another one of Smith's co-stars from Downton Abbey, Michelle Dockery, who played Lady Mary Crawley, said “there was no one quite like Maggie. I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick. She will be deeply missed and my thoughts are with her family.”

British actress Joanne Froggatt, who portrayed Anne Bates in Downton Abbey, shared a detailed tribute to Smith in an Instagram post. “Today we lost a true legend. It’s hard to find the words to pay tribute to the iconic Dame Maggie Smith. I shared a screen with her on very few occasions but was fortunate enough to be in her company on many.

She truly was a trailblazer, with the sharpest wit, the greatest talent, the naughtiest sense of humour, she was a force to be reckoned with. She had a charisma that you felt would live forever (in many ways, it will) and, underneath all of that, a huge heart. Thank you, Maggie, for always being supportive and kind to me, for putting many a smile on my face with that sharp wit that no one could match, and for showing the rest of us just how it’s done.”

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were among the many to mourn for Smith and recognize her lasting legacy, saying they would remember “with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”

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Through her many acting accomplishments and bright personality, Dame Maggie Smith left behind a legacy that touched the lives of many. She was a remarkable actress who will continue to be remembered for her incredibly successful career and unforgettable charisma.