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.
“Screams Desperation,” Nicole Kidman, 56, Stuns in a Risqué Dress, But People Say It’s Not Age-Appropriate
For many decades now, Nicole Kidman has remained a prominent figure, attracting both admiration and disapproval. Her fashion selections consistently generate buzz, and her latest choice did not escape notice. While some online users applauded her bold fashion, others criticized her for making a daring statement.
At the recent New York premiere of Nicole Kidman’s latest mini-TV series, “Expats,” the star made a striking appearance. She wore a timeless black satin dress with a unique touch — it was both backless and sideless.
Crafted by Atelier Versace, the gown boasted a mint green lining, a thigh-high slit, and was complemented by sleek black stilettos. She also adorned herself with diamond earrings and bracelets.
Kidman’s choice of dress elicited a diverse range of opinions. The majority of people online praised her, with positive comments like “I love her, she looks amazing!!” and “I’m so in love with her 😍” However, not everyone was enamored with the look.
Many people online deemed that this daring dress wasn’t really age-appropriate for a woman in her fifties.
One person commented, “Elegant and classy… that’s an attractive combination. This dress screams desperation.” Another wrote, “It’s not really elegant or classy to look so desperate to look young. Grow old gracefully. She needs to stop trying so hard…”
We’re convinced that Kidman looks absolutely stunning, showcasing that one can exude both fearlessness and grace regardless of age.
Nicole has faced online criticism for her fashion choices before. Not too long ago, when the actress opted for a micro-skirt in a magazine shoot, not only did she attract a slew of trolls, but she also delivered the perfect response to them.
Preview photo credit MediaPunch Inc / Alamy Stock Photo, NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx/Associated Press/East News
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