Dame Maggie Smith was laid to rest in an intimate funeral service this week, following her death at the age of 89.
The iconic actress, most known for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter franchise, died on September 27, with her loved ones confirming the sad news.
On Monday, they gathered to say a ‘beautiful goodbye’ to the legendary screen star at Mortlake Crematorium, while also remembering her incredible life.
According to reports, guests celebrated Dame Maggie by ‘belting out hymns’ and sharing ‘brilliant eulogies’, with those invited sharing that it was ‘full of laughter’.
‘Such a beautiful goodbye to Maggie Smith today,’ one said, via the Daily Mail. ‘It was warm and funny and full of love and brilliant eulogies, with the best hymns bringing belted out by all.
‘It was poignant but not sad because hers was a life so richly lived.
‘Maggie was as funny and sharp as it gets. One of the greats.’
The outlet reports that the order of service paid tribute with a childhood photo of the late star on the front, and a smiling picture on the back, complete with the message: ‘In loving memory of Dame Margaret Natalie Smith.’
It is not clear whether any of her former co-stars were in attendance.
Dame Maggie’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her death in a heartfelt message in September.
‘It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,’ they began. ‘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.
‘We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.’
The London-born star began acting as a teenager, and appeared in a number of stage shows in the 50s – she stole the show in 1958 thriller Nowhere to Go, and earned a Bafta nomination for the role.
She hit worldwide fame in the 60s and took home her first best actress Oscar in 1969 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, with her second trophy for best supporting actress for California Suite.
Dame Maggie went on to appear in The Secret Garden, Tea with Mussolini, Gosford Park, Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Travels with my Aunt.
In the hugely successful Harry Potter series, she played the beloved, and also very stern, Hogwarts teacher, Professor Minerva McGonagall, alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman and many more.
In 2010, she took on the role of Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in popular series Downton Abbey, and went on to reprise her role in the films.
The world paid tribute to Dame Maggie on social media, with fans reminiscing over her best roles, while those who shared the screen with her discussed their fondest memories.
Harry Potter star Daniel recalled meeting her at a very young age, saying via Variety: ‘I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease.
‘She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films.
‘She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.
‘I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.’
‘Maggie Smith, one of the true greats along with (Laurence) Olivier and (John) Gielgud,’ Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the franchise, penned. ‘Those who saw her dazzling talent on the stage say they can never forget her.
‘Her magnificent film performances remain for all to see and enjoy.
‘Such an artist comes along about every other generation. If one is lucky.’
Hugh Bonneville, who worked on Downton Abbey, added: ‘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.’
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