Maggie Smith: A Stalwart of Stage and Screen at 89

Dame Maggie Smith, a doyenne of British theatre and cinema, died at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy filled with unforgettable performances. With a career that spanned over six decades, Smith’s versatility shone through in both comedic and dramatic roles, making her a beloved figure on both sides of the Atlantic. She graced the stage with her performances in works by Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Edward Albee, among others.

Her film career was equally distinguished, with acclaimed roles in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” for which she won an Academy Award, and “California Suite.” Contemporary audiences adored her as the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess in “Downton Abbey,” a role that garnered her three Emmy Awards. Smith’s formidable talent and indomitable spirit made her one of the most respected and admired actresses of her generation.