Dame Maggie Smith was 'surprised' to still be alive as she filmed Downton Abbey before death at 89
ok.co.ukDame Maggie Smith expressed her astonishment at having survived long enough to complete the final series of Downton Abbey.The beloved actress was 80 years old when she made the comment in 2015 at a press conference, causing a wave of laughter with her typically dry wit.
It was confirmed on Friday, 27 September, that the star – who played the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in six TV series and then two movies – had sadly died, at the age of 89.
Her sons released a statement, saying: “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." Reflecting on her time before joining the show at the press conference some years ago, Dame Maggie remarked, "I'm just surprised I have got to the end.
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