Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance
Dame Maggie Smith, Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter star, died aged 89, her family confirms.
A two time Oscar winner and a legend of the stage and screen, Smith was regarded one of the greatest actors of her time. She started her acting career on stage at the Oxford Playhouse and went on to make a name for herself and remained under the limelight for a stunning number of years.
The news of her sudden passing was shared by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
“She died quietly this morning, Friday, September 27, in the hospital. A deeply private individual, she passed away surrounded by loved ones,” their joint statement read.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days,” it continued.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” Smith’s sons concluded.
Throughout her long and rich career, Smith appeared in feature films such as Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and more recently Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s The Miracle Club.
Back in 2009, Smith disclosed with the public that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She opened up about receiving treatments and filming scenes as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the same time.
“I used to go to treatment on my own, and nearly everybody else was with somebody,” she told Tim Teeman. “I wouldn’t have liked that. Why would you want to make anybody sit in those places?”
She had also opened up about her own mortality. “I was relieved to be the age I was because by now you feel like it’s all over anyway.
“That’s why I hated seeing young people receiving treatment [at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London]. I couldn’t bear that, it didn’t seem fair. To be honest, you feel so ghastly you wouldn’t mind dying a lot of the time.”
Smith was married twice. Her second husband, screenwriter Beverley Cross, whom she considered the great love of her life, passed away in 1998, leaving her mourning his loss until her own passing.
She wasn’t known as someone who was spotted in public often, so her last public appearance left her fans startled.
It was at the Wimbledon men’s singles final that Smith was spotted in public. Dressed elegantly, in a navy blue shirtdress with a stylish dot pattern on it accessorized with a blue jacket and black leather heels, she stunned many.
The photos of her and her stunning choice of outfit, which she had completed with a pink lipstick, received plenty of comments. “So elegant!” one person commented. “You [look] so beautiful,” another added.
Following her passing, tributes came pouring in. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first to share his condolences, saying Smith “was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”
Hugh Bonneville, fellow Downtown Abbey co-star, said: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.
“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”
Smith’s passing represents an immense loss for the acting world. May she rest in peace.
Woman has important advice for anyone who worries about people they love dying
A contemplation schoolteacher has handed some advice on what to do if you have a fear of losing your loved bones
A woman has handed some enough precious advice for anyone who worries about their loved bones
passing.
If you’ve clicked on this composition also the study has presumably entered your mind further than formerly.
The idea of losing someone you watch about can be veritably inviting.
There is frequently a feeling of helplessness attached, which could lead to internal health issues.
still, Emily Kessler says she’s then to help you worry less.
The pukka contemplation schoolteacher and breathwork facilitator, who promotes a positive mindset across her social media runners, might have some important- demanded advice you need to hear.
Taking to TikTok(@emilymeditates), the life trainer was asked if she ever worries about’ the people you love dying’.
Replying in a videotape, she said” If you constantly worry about people in your life dying or people who are special to you, dying, this videotape is for you.
” So I do a lot of content about fussing and how we can retrain our minds from solicitude to anticipate good effects and be agitated about effects.
” And so I get this question a lot about someone dying. This is an ineluctability, right?
” Like people die. This is just a fact of life.
” And what I always say is that rather of fussing about someone dying, be with them while they are alive.
” Spend time, invest in that relationship, do effects together that bring you both joy, work on the wholeness of that relationship and appreciating them and being thankful for them in every moment.
” Because this is the only thing we’ve control over. We do not have control over when or how anyone in our life dies.
” We only have control over the relationship right now in the present moment.”
People opened up about their own gests in the commentary, as one wrote” My therapist used to hold my hand and continually tell me that grieving them while they’re still alive isn’t going to make grieving them when they’re gone any lightly. Enjoy them while they’re alive.”
” And so I get this question a lot about someone dying. This is an ineluctability, right?
” Like people die. This is just a fact of life.
” And what I always say is that rather of fussing about someone dying, be with them while they are alive.
” Spend time, invest in that relationship, do effects together that bring you both joy, work on the wholeness of that relationship and appreciating them and being thankful for them in every moment.
” Because this is the only thing we’ve control over. We do not have control over when or how anyone in our life dies.
” We only have control over the relationship right now in the present moment.”
People opened up about their own gests in the commentary, as one wrote” My therapist used to hold my hand and continually tell me that grieving them while they’re still alive isn’t going to make grieving them when they’re gone any lightly. Enjoy them while they’re alive.”
” I legal cry because I miss my parents while they’re happy and healthy 3 bases from me. I suppose I worry because I don’t suppose I’ll be suitable to recover from their ineluctable d3@ths. It gets inviting,” a alternate penned.
While a third added” Allowing of my mama dying occasionally takes over my entire day and I’m just firmed with fear over it. I’ve my own mate and family, but still have no idea what my life would look like without her.”
still, the crusade Against Living Miserably( CALM) is there to support you, If you are passing distressing studies and passions. They are open from 5 pm – night, 365 days a time. Their public number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you are not comfortable talking on the phone.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
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