Maggie Smith dies at 89
Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89. The British star, known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie , died in hospital this morning, her sons said. Her children, Widow Clicquo t actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, said in a statement: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.” Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fana