Downtown Abbey

British actress Maggie Smith passes away at 89

For many younger fans in the 21st century, she was best known as Professor McGonagall in all seven "Harry Potter" movies, and the Dowager Countess in the hit TV series and movie spin-offs of "Downton Abbey," a role that seemed tailor-made for an actress known for purse-lipped asides and malicious cracks.

September 27, 2024
September 27, 2024

British actress Maggie Smith passes away at 89

For many younger fans in the 21st century, she was best known as Professor McGonagall in all seven "Harry Potter" movies, and the Dowager Countess in the hit TV series and movie spin-offs of "Downton Abbey," a role that seemed tailor-made for an actress known for purse-lipped asides and malicious cracks.