bbeloved British actor Maggie Smith, who stole hearts in her portrayal of Downton Abbey‘s Violet Crawley and Harry PotterProfessor Minerva McGonagall passed away on Friday morning at the age of 89.

Smith died peacefully at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London on September 27, her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed in a statement on Friday. “She was an intensely private person and was ultimately with friends and family. She is survived by two sons and five loving grandchildren, who are devastated by the loss of their special mother and grandmother,” the statement said. “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.” Her family also thanked the hospital staff for their kindness.

The star played a variety of roles throughout her career, earning her two Oscars for her performances in the 1969 film. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and the 1973 film Traveling with my auntalong with four additional nominations. Smith also took home multiple BAFTAs, including a win for Best Actress for the Lonely Passion by Judith Hearne and a Special Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, among several other achievements.

Her contributions to the arts have been recognized by the Royal Family – Smith became Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990, a form of knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II – as well as other notable actors, politicians and celebrities.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences to Smith’s family and loved ones. “Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she performed throughout her long career,” he said in a statement about X. “She was loved by so many for her great talent and became a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”

Gyles Brandreth, former Lord Commissioner of the British Treasury, called her ‘one of the greats’ and loved her wise and witty personality.

“Saddened to hear that Dame Maggie Smith has passed away. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did,” says actor Rob Lowe, who worked with Smith Suddenly, last summer. “We will never see another. God speed, Mrs. Smith!

Star Trek actor George Takei shared his condolences and called her a “great star of film and stage” in a post on X.

Whoopi Goldberg, who co-starred with Smith in the Sister Actshared a tribute on Instagram along with a photo still from the film. “I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with this one-of-a-kind. My sincere condolences go out to the family…RIP,” she captioned the photo.

“Anyone who has ever shared a scene with Maggie will testify to her keen eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” fellow Downton Abbey costar Hugh Bonneville told the BBC in a statement. “She was a true legend of her generation and will happily live on in so many wonderful film performances. My condolences to her boys and the rest of the family.”

Smith’s name trended on X, along with “RIP Queen” as fans shared their grief online. ‘Rest in peace to an absolute darling, Dame Maggie Smith. They are reunited,” wrote one user who shared a photo of Smith with Alan Rickman and Michael Gambon, two other actors in the Harry Potter franchise who have previously passed away.

Others shared clips of their favorite performances of hers, calling Smith a “British icon” and “brilliant actress.”

“She was such an important part of my childhood and adult life too,” one user wrote. “Thank you, Maggie, for the amazing talent you shared with all of us.”