Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance
Dame Maggie Smith, Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter star, died aged 89, her family confirms.
A two time Oscar winner and a legend of the stage and screen, Smith was regarded one of the greatest actors of her time. She started her acting career on stage at the Oxford Playhouse and went on to make a name for herself and remained under the limelight for a stunning number of years.
The news of her sudden passing was shared by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
“She died quietly this morning, Friday, September 27, in the hospital. A deeply private individual, she passed away surrounded by loved ones,” their joint statement read.
“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,” it continued.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” Smith’s sons concluded.
Throughout her long and rich career, Smith appeared in feature films such as Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and more recently Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s The Miracle Club.
Back in 2009, Smith disclosed with the public that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She opened up about receiving treatments and filming scenes as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the same time.
“I used to go to treatment on my own, and nearly everybody else was with somebody,” she told Tim Teeman. “I wouldn’t have liked that. Why would you want to make anybody sit in those places?”
She had also opened up about her own mortality. “I was relieved to be the age I was because by now you feel like it’s all over anyway.
“That’s why I hated seeing young people receiving treatment [at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London]. I couldn’t bear that, it didn’t seem fair. To be honest, you feel so ghastly you wouldn’t mind dying a lot of the time.”
Smith was married twice. Her second husband, screenwriter Beverley Cross, whom she considered the great love of her life, passed away in 1998, leaving her mourning his loss until her own passing.
She wasn’t known as someone who was spotted in public often, so her last public appearance left her fans startled.
It was at the Wimbledon men’s singles final that Smith was spotted in public. Dressed elegantly, in a navy blue shirtdress with a stylish dot pattern on it accessorized with a blue jacket and black leather heels, she stunned many.
The photos of her and her stunning choice of outfit, which she had completed with a pink lipstick, received plenty of comments. “So elegant!” one person commented. “You [look] so beautiful,” another added.
Following her passing, tributes came pouring in. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first to share his condolences, saying Smith “was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”
Hugh Bonneville, fellow Downtown Abbey co-star, said: “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.”
Smith’s passing represents an immense loss for the acting world. May she rest in peace.
Puppy was left tied to park picnic table in the rain — rescuers save him
Although it is terrible that someone would be so callous as to dump a puppy, fortunately there are good people out there who are prepared to take action and save these abandoned pups.
That happened just now, when a poor dog was abandoned outside in the rain, tethered to a picnic table, until someone came to save him.
A small dog is shown in a video from Stray Rescue of St. Louis strapped to a table in a nearby park’s picnic area.
The footage shows the dog, who was afraid, alone, and drenched from the rain, yelping repeatedly as though pleading for assistance.
However, as Donna, a rescuer, untied the young dog and arrived on the scene, he immediately warmed up to her, as though he realized he was secure.
According to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, “he was so brave when we first approached, but as soon as we got in the Jeep he curled up on Donna’s lap and let out a deep sigh – that sigh said so much.”
“You’re okay, sweet little baby. We’ll take care of your sweet self in no time at all.
The dog was named Wilbur by the rescue. He was “covered in ringworm,” as they found, and they gave him medicinal baths as treatment.
Wilbur was in a caring foster home a few days after his rescue. The Dodo was informed by his foster mother that he was a “snuggle bug” and “doing great.” She remarked, “He wants nothing more than to be loved.”
Although Wilbur’s origins are unknown, it is obvious that he hasn’t been getting the love and attention he deserves. However, the little dog appears to have a bright future ahead of him.
Facebook said, “He’ll never have to be lonely or muster up that much bravery ever again.” This is from Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
I’m grateful that you saved this tangled puppy, pulled him out of the wet, and gave him a fresh start. The expression on his face indicates that he knows he’s in capable hands.
Kindly tell this story to everybody who enjoys dogs!
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