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The stage and screen director, who filmed Smith in The Lady in the Van, recalls her unblinking wit at work on stage in A German Life

• Smith dies aged 89

• Appreciations by Peter Bradshaw and Mark Lawson

• A life in pictures

• Obituary

• Her 20 best films

• Michael Palin, Mike Newell and Ol Parker remember Smith

• Share your tributes

Maggie Smith seemed in her performances to care nothing about being loved, but she was as widely adored as an actor can be. The two things were connected; everyone who watched her knew that there was an unswerving honesty behind her ruthless wit and her ability, in the blink of an eye, to shine a light on the most terrifying abysses of the human condition.

She found life hysterically funny and unbearably painful. Her company was exhilarating – she was even sharper and wittier than her legions of fans imagined her to be. But since the death of her husband,...

One of the world's most beloved and distinguished actresses, Dame Maggie Smith, has passed away at the age of 89. While modern audiences know her best as a wise, poison-tongued woman from two major British franchises, she has been charming audiences for the better part of eight decades. Sadly, Smith's publicist reports (via AP) that Smith has passed away. Smith is survived by five grandchildren and her two sons, English actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.

Smith is best known for being a core part of millennials' childhood as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" franchise -- on set, she despised the hats and is said to have had a scary reputation. Later, she earned critical acclaim as Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the wildly popular "Downton Abbey" series and its two feature films, though she grew tired of the fame it brought her. For the audiences, in both roles,...

Dame Maggie Smith, the British actress who starred in Harry Potter films, the wildly popular Downton Abbey series and scores of other movies, TV shows, West End and Broadway productions in a career that brought two Oscars, five BAFTAs, four Emmys and a Tony Award, died today. She was 89.

Smith’s death was confirmed by her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin. In a statement shared with UK media, they said: “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. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Smith was one of the finest British screen and stage stars of her generation and will be remembered for her performances in iconic films and TV shows, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Her...

Dame Maggie Smith, the legendary British actor known for roles in A Room With A View, Downton Abbey, the Harry Potter franchise and more, has died. Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed the news to the BBC. She was 89 years old.

"It is with great sadness we have...