Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville leads tributes to Dame Maggie Smith
Downton Abbey star Dame Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89, and tributes to the late actor have already begun flooding in.
Hugh Bonneville, who starred alongside Smith in the hit period drama, led the tributes.
"Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent," he said (via the BBC News). "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."
Similarly, in a heartfelt Instagram Story post, Downton Abbey actor Dan Steven's said Smith was "truly one of the greats".
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes called Smith "a truly great actress" in a statement (via Variety):
"We were more than fortunate to be part of the last act in her stellar career. She was a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking. Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her."
Whoopi Goldberg, who famously starred alongside Smith in the Sister Act movies, also shared her memories of the actor.
"Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress," she wrote in an Instagram post. "I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the 'one-of-a-kind'. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family… RIP."
Gyles Brandreth wrote on X: "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
"She was a truly great actress, 'one of the greats' and simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way and consequently irreplaceable."
Smith died on Friday (27th September ) morning in hospital surrounded by friends and family.
The star's death was announced in a joint statement from her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end," the statement read. "She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
"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."
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