Dame Maggie Smith is remembered by Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville and Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint as celebrities and co-stars pay tribute after her death

Maggie Smith is being remembered by her former co-stars and described in tributes after her death on Friday as “wise, witty, waspish, wonderful.”

Celebrities have taken to social media to share their memories of the Oscar-winning actress who died in hospital on Friday morning at the age of 89, her sons revealed in a statement.

The British star was known for prominent roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and as Violet Crawley in the TV series Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

In tribute to his former co-star, Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint has updated his Instagram profile photo with a sweet throwback photo of the pair.

Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville – who played her son in the show – also paid tribute.

Dame Maggie Smith is hailed as ‘wise, witty, waspish, wonderful’ as celebrities pay tribute after her death (pictured in 2015)

In tribute to his former co-star, Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint has updated his Instagram profile photo with a sweet throwback photo of the pair

Dame Maggie starred as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, while Rupert played Ron Weasley (pictured at a 2009 premiere)

Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville also paid tribute, saying: ‘Anyone who has ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her keen eye, sharp wit and formidable talent’

He told the BBC: ‘Anyone who has ever shared a scene with Maggie will testify to her keen eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.

‘She was a true legend of her generation and will happily live on in so many wonderful film performances. My condolences to her boys and the rest of the family.’

Dan Stevens – who played Matthew Crawley in the period drama – paid tribute on his Instagram Story, writing ‘Truly one of The Greats. RIP” alongside two photos of his former co-star.

Gyles Brandreth was also quick to pay tribute, calling the late actress ‘unique in every way’.

Brandreth shared a photo of him with Smith on

‘She was truly a wonderful actress, ‘one of the greats’ and simply the best company: wise, witty, lush, wonderful.

‘Unique in every respect and therefore irreplaceable.’

Rob Lowe, who worked with Dame Maggie in 1992’s Suddenly, Last Summer, reflected on their time together.

He wrote: ‘Saddened to hear that Dame Maggie Smith has passed away. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion.”

‘She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny and good company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another again. God speed, Mrs. Smith!

Dan Stevens paid tribute on his Instagram Story, writing “Truly one of the greats. RIP” alongside two photos of his former co-star

Dan played Matthew Crawley in the period drama (pictured with Hugh)

Gyles Brandreth shared a photo of him with Smith on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: ‘The saddest news: Dame Maggie Smith’s death marks the end of a golden era’

Omid Djalili tweeted: “We lost one of the best today.RIP Maggie Smith

Piers Morgan wrote: ‘RIP Dame Maggie Smith. Great actress, great lady. Just as entertaining, sharp and witty off-screen as they are off-screen. A very sad loss for Britain’

Dame Maggie was described by BAFTA as a ‘legend of British stage and screen’ after winning five of their awards during her illustrious career

Star Trek legend George Takei tweeted: “A great star of film and stage has left.

‘Maggie Smith, most recently known for her unforgettable roles as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey and as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, has died at the age of 89. Fans, both young and old, will miss her dearly.”

Piers Morgan wrote: ‘RIP Dame Maggie Smith. Great actress, great lady. Just as entertaining, sharp and witty off-screen as they are off-screen. A very, very sad loss for Britain.”

Omid Djalili tweeted: “We lost one of the best today.RIP Maggie Smith.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote: ‘Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she performed throughout her long career.

“She was loved by so many for her great talent and became a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.”

The

Dame Maggie was described by BAFTA as a ‘legend of British stage and screen’ after winning five of their awards during her illustrious career.

The organization tweeted: ‘We are saddened to hear that actor Dame Maggie Smith, best known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89.

‘Dame Maggie was a legend of the British stage and screen, winning five BAFTAs, a BAFTA Special Award and a BAFTA Fellowship during her acclaimed career.’

Lucifer star Lesley-Ann Brandt said ‘there will never be another’, while Kelly Brook tweeted ‘our most loved RIP’

Tamzin Outhwaite called Dame Maggie a ‘magnificent Lady’ in her tribute

The X account for Larry the cat, Chief Mouser of the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, also paid tribute to the actress’s role in Harry Potter

Dame Maggie is pictured at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 15, 2023

Dame Maggie’s children, Widow Clicquot actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, announced her death in a statement.

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognized actress for much of her life after playing fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the smart, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.

And in 2010 she was central to the success of the ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.

Larkin and Stephens, her sons from her first marriage, said in their statement: ‘It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital this morning, Friday 27 September.

‘She was an intensely private person and was ultimately with friends and family. She is survived by two sons and five loving grandchildren, devastated by the loss of their special mother and grandmother.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and continued 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.’