DAME MAGGIE SMITH WAS A TRUE LEGEND OF HER GENERATION'

As tributes pour in following the death of Dame Maggie Smith, we look back at the extraordinary life and career of an icon of stage and screen

- GEORGIA TREVITT

Britain lost a true national treasure last week with the death of Dame Maggie Smith. The acting legend, known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, passed away aged 89 surrounded by her loved ones.

Her sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed in a statement, "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end."

They continued, "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. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."

Tributes quickly poured in for the beloved star, with her friend and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth saying, "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era and 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."

Hugh Bonneville, who co-starred in Downton Abbey with Dame Maggie, said, "Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.