Two-time Oscar winning actor Maggie Smith dies at 89

Vipul's Facts

Acting legend Maggie Smith has died at age 89. A two-time Oscar winner, Smith started acting in the 1950s, but was best known for her roles as Professor McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" films and the Dowager Countess on "Downton Abbey."  » Subscribe to NBC News:  » Watch more NBC video:   NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compelling, diverse and engaging news stories. NBC News Digital features NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, Nightly News, Meet the Press, Dateline, and the existing apps and digital extensions of these respective properties.  We deliver the best in breaking news, live video coverage, original journalism and segments from your favorite NBC News Shows.  Connect with NBC News Online! NBC News App:  Breaking News Alerts:  Visit NBCNews.Com:  Find NBC News on Facebook:  Follow NBC News on Twitter:  Follow NBC News on Instagram:   #MaggieSmith #HarryPotter #DowntonAbbey

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00:00Now, when I call your name, you will come forth. I shall place the sorting hat on your

00:07head and you will be sorted into your houses.

00:12Maggie Smith, one of the world's most revered actors, a star on stage, screen and film,

00:18and a national treasure in the United Kingdom. Smith burst onto the screen in the 1950s,

00:24winning her first Academy Award for her dramatic role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brody in 1970.

00:31I am a teacher. I am a teacher first, last, always.

00:35Her comedic role as an Academy Award loser.

00:38I need another drink. The last one wore off in the lift.

00:41Won her another Oscar.

00:43I just really can't believe it. We're ready for you now. Follow me.

00:49Smith was arguably most known for two roles later in her career.

00:54Mr. Weasley.

00:55Professor Minerva McGonagall at the magical school Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies.

01:04That was bloody brilliant.

01:05Oh, thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley.

01:08And as the Dowager, the Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey.

01:12What is a weekend? At my age, one must ration one's excitement.

01:18Cantankerous but lovable characters added to Smith's already prolific career.

01:23The Reverend Mother in the 90s box office hit Sister Act.

01:27People wish to kill you. Anyone who's met you, I imagine.

01:32But her depth of talent went far beyond the characters she played. Smith, mother to two

01:37sons, was gracious and humble around fame.

01:40I led a perfectly normal life until Downton Abbey. Life was fine. Nobody knew who the

01:47hell I was.

01:49With countless awards and recognition over more than six decades, but perhaps the most

01:54meaningful of all, Dame Hood, an honor given to her by the late Queen Elizabeth.

02:01Dame Maggie Smith, remembered by legions of fans.

02:05Megan Fitzgerald, NBC News, London.

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