Dame Maggie Smith, celebrated actress known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. On what would have been her 90th birthday, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike as BBC Two aired Maggie Smith at the BBC, narrated by Celia Imrie, showcasing the star’s life, work, and memorable television appearances.
The commemorative program featured reflections from close friends and fellow thespians like Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi, who reminisced about their time with Maggie Smith and shared their favorite memories. A rich selection of classic clips from her career, spanning the 1960s to the 2020s, illustrated her incredible ability to make audiences laugh and reflect on life’s absurdities with her signature wit and wisdom.
News of her death hit fans hard, as evidenced by numerous heartfelt tributes on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One fan expressed their shock, stating, “What do you mean Maggie Smith died? She's one of my favorite artists and I missed it!???” Another wrote, “I’d forgotten Maggie Smith died, and now I’m sad again. Heartbroken.” The outpouring of love and appreciation reminded many of the unique charm she brought to her roles.
One fan noted the captivating nature of Smith’s on-screen presence, admitting, “I didn’t even mean to watch this BBC2 documentary about her. She’s like a compulsive read in the form of a person. And very beautiful.” Another insisted on her attractiveness, recalling, “Every time I see footage of her being interviewed, I think how attractive she is, and droll and interesting.” It was clear her legacy as both talented actress and charismatic individual had touched many lives.
At the time of her passing, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens shared their grief with the world, stating, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.” They extended gratitude to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassion during her final moments.
Alongside Dame Maggie Smith’s tribute, the BBC Two show also highlighted several notable figures—a poignant reminder of the lives well lived and the void their passing has left in the arts community. Frances de la Tour honored Smith with sincere gratitude for their time together, acknowledging her influence and the greatness she embodied.
The segment also featured tributes to other notable personalities who passed away within the past year, including writer Edna O’Brien and broadcaster Steve Wright, with heartfelt reflections from their peers reinforcing the strong connections shared among artists and the enduring impact they leave behind.
At 6 p.m. on September 27, 2024, viewers across the nation tuned in to watch the tribute show Lives Well Lived, hosted by Kirsty Wark, which celebrated great actors, writers, broadcasters, and sports stars. The evening was filled with warmth and remembrance as various notable personalities contributed to the narrative of lives intertwined and the art they shared.
Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy, like those of her fellow tributes, reminds us of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, woven deeply through the entertainment we consume. Her contributions transcended mere performances; her wit and charm left indelible marks on her audience’s hearts, making it unmistakable why tributes continue to flood social media, affirming her status as one of the greats.
Lastly, as fans and colleagues mourn the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, these tributes serve not only to commemorate her extraordinary career but also to celebrate the values of friendship, creativity, and compassion inherent within the performing arts—values Smith exemplified throughout her life.
