Hugh Bonneville, 60, has paid tribute to Oscar-winning actress and Downton Abbey co-star Maggie Smith following her death aged 89.
The pair starred opposite each in the ITV period drama as well as a series of feature-length films based on the franchise.
Bonneville took on the role of Robert Crawley in the drama, the Earl of Grantham and son of Smith’s character, Violet Crawley.
Following the news of Smith’s death, Bonneville said [via the BBC]: “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.”
Hugh Bonneville (left) and his Downton Abbey co-stars
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Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin were the ones to confirm the sad news, saying in a joint 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.
“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.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith – an icon of the stage and screen.
She touched many lives across many generations with her incredible performances. Rest in peace.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 27, 2024
Tributes from other famous faces far and wide have also flooded in following the news of Smith’s death.
TV presenter and friend of Smith’s, Gyles Brandreth, penned on X: “The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
“She was a truly great actress, ‘one of the greats’ & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable.
Comedian and actor Omid Djalili also took to the social media site to pen: “We’ve lost one the best today. RIP Maggie Smith.”
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Maggie Smith (left) was also known for her roles in the Harry Potter films
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Elsewhere, Star Trek icon George Takei echoed: “A grand star of screen and stage has departed. Maggie Smith, known most recently for her unforgettable roles as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey and as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, passed away at age 89.
“Fans both old and young shall miss her dearly.”
And former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith – an icon of the stage and screen.
“She touched many lives across many generations with her incredible performances. Rest in peace.”