Actress Dame Maggie Smith has passed away at the age of 89 according to an announcement made by her sons.

Dame Margaret Smith has had a long career in film and TV, notably playing Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, among dozens of other credits across stage and screen as far back as 1952.

Smith was granted the title of Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, a title similar to knighthood as both have roots in the chivalric orders of Europe.

Her last performance is the 2023 film Miracle Club.