The UK actress Maggie Smith Photo: IC

Maggie Smith, one of the UK's most esteemed actresses, known for her role in the Harry Potter series, has passed away at the age of 89. A truly versatile talent, she made her mark across multiple art platforms including films, theater and TV, where she gave a memorably performance in the series Downton Abbey. 

The news of Smith's death was made public by her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens. They confirmed that she has had "passed away peacefully in hospital in the early morning" on Friday, in the UK. Smith's two sons and five grandchildren described feeling "devastated." 

Dubbed by King Charles as a "national treasure," Smith's career was defined by a large range of diverse characters which included early roles like the Desdemona in Othello (1965) and modern roles like Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series. She was particularly known for her skillful depictions of sharp-toughed, poised, intelligent and powerful female characters.

"Many of Smith's roles on screen were actually a representation of the UK's vital literary tradition such as Shakespeare's plays and its profound history," cultural sociologist Xu Shuming told the Global Times. In 1990, Smith was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth II.

The star was popular in China mostly due to her performance in Harry Potter. "Professor McGonagall has passed away" has been trending on Sina Weibo since the announcement of her passing, and many fans have paid their heartfelt tribute to the actress, with some of them also expressing their nostalgia over other two late actors, Alan Rickman and Michael Gambon, who had also played the "professors" role in Harry Potter. 

Xue Kaite, a Harry Potter fan, told the Global Times that at first, she did not see Smith as the most suitable actress for depicting the Professor McGonagall role. However, when she saw the star's performance, she was convinced that "Smith perfectly embodied the role of Professor McGonagall." 

"I can't imagine anyone playing professor McGonagall better than her, she is part of my childhood memories," a netizen posted on Sina Weibo. 

Including King Charles, public figures such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have paid their tributes to the late star. On the platform X, Starmer said that Smith's "works will be cherished for generations to come."    

"… She was such a legend and part of my childhood, I'll always remember her amazing and powerful performances but also her kind and gentle personality," Watson posted on Instagram.