Hollywood actress Dame Maggie Smith who played the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter series has passed away at the age of 89. The news has been confirmed by her family. The actress was known for her iconic roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. As per reports, the actress passed away in the hospital on Friday morning and was surrounded by friends and family. Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, her sons shared the news of her death in a statement issued through publicist Clair Dobbs. The statement read, ‘An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother’. Maggie Smith was best known for her exceptional performance in Harry Potter. She received immense love for her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess, in Downton Abbey. She won two Academy Awards – first for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and later for California Suite (1978). Her family, friends and fans are mourning her loss as they remember her spectacular performances in films. Her contribution to the world of cinema was phenomenal.

 Harry Potter actress Dame Maggie Smith passes away at 89.