LONDON (AP) — The world of cinema and theatre mourns the loss of Maggie Smith, the celebrated actress who enchanted audiences for decades with her remarkable performances. Known for her unforgettable roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, Smith passed away on Friday at the age of 89 in a London hospital.

Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, shared in a touching statement: “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Regarded as one of the foremost British actresses of her generation, alongside the likes of Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench, Smith accrued numerous accolades during her prolific career, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. Her first Oscar came for her stunning portrayal of a charismatic teacher in the 1969 film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, a role that showcased her ability to command the screen.

Despite reflecting humorously on her later career, noting that "when you get into the granny era, you’re lucky to get anything," Smith managed to remain a sought-after talent. Her quip that Harry Potter was "my pension" highlighted her insight into the industry, while her portrayals continued to resonate with both longstanding fans and new audiences alike.

The director Richard Eyre, who collaborated with Smith on Suddenly Last Summer, praised her intelligence and talent: “You have to get up very, very early in the morning to outwit Maggie Smith.” With an illustrious list of roles, Smith’s career spanned stage and screen, earning her a Tony Award in 1990 for Lettice and Lovage.

In Downton Abbey, she won the hearts of millions, with her portrayal of Violet Crawley, for which she received three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Even in her 80s, she proved her enduring star power by participating in projects like the Downton Abbey: A New Era film and The Miracle Club, both released in the last few years.

Yet, Smith was known not just for her talent but also for her tenacious spirit. Colleagues would jokingly note her ability to dominate a scene. Richard Burton once remarked, "She commits grand larceny" with her performances. While director Peter Hall described her as not being “remotely difficult” unless surrounded by incompetence, Smith candidly admitted, “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me.”

Her humor shone through both on and off the screen, encapsulated in memorable one-liners that brought levity to otherwise serious narratives. In one of her funniest moments in Downton Abbey, her character quips, “What is a weekend?” showcasing her impeccable timing and sharp wit.

Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, London, she began her acting journey early on, transitioning from studying at the Oxford Playhouse School to performing alongside legends, including Laurence Olivier. Known for her incredible versatility, Smith drew influences from esteemed directors like Ingmar Bergman, further shaping her artistic approach.

In her personal life, Smith married actor Robert Stephens in 1967, welcoming two sons together before their divorce in 1975. She later married writer Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998. Notably, she was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, an accolade that reflected her immense contributions to the arts.

Maggie Smith leaves behind a rich legacy, celebrated not only for her artistry but also for her humor and tenacity. As audiences reminisce about her iconic roles, many will cherish the indelible mark she has left on the world of entertainment, reminding us all of the power of storytelling and the timelessness of true talent.