Dame Maggie Smith was laid to rest in an intimate funeral service on Monday. Smith passed away at the age of 89 on September 27. According to The Daily Mail, on November 4, the life of the legendary actress was celebrated at Mortlake Crematorium in Richmond, London. "Such a beautiful farewell to Maggie Smith today," one attendee shared with the outlet. "It was warm, humorous, and filled with love, featuring brilliant eulogies and the best hymns sung with gusto by all. It was poignant yet not sorrowful, as her life was so richly lived."
Mortlake Crematorium has also been the final resting place for several other notable British figures, including former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, her husband Dennis, and comedian Tommy Cooper. Smith is survived by her grandchildren and her two adult sons, both of whom are actors – Toby Stephens, 55, known for "Black Sails," and Chris Larkin, 57, from "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World." Her sons announced her death on September 27 with a statement that read, "It is with great sorrow that we must announce the passing of Dame Maggie Smith." They added, "An intensely private individual, she was surrounded by friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."
Born in Ilford, England, on December 28, 1934, Smith won numerous Tonys and Oscars and enjoyed a career spanning seven decades on both stage and screen. She was best known for her roles as Professor McGonagall in the eight "Harry Potter" films and the acerbic Dowager Countess of Grantham on "Downton Abbey." Following her death, several of her former co-stars paid tribute. Daniel Radcliffe, 35, recalled meeting Smith when he was just 9 years old during the filming of "David Copperfield." He said, "I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her." Radcliffe also shared, "She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was fortunate enough to work with her for another 10 years on the 'Harry Potter' films. She was a fierce intellect, had a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant, and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny."
Smith spoke about her retirement plans with her "Downton Abbey: A New Era" co-star Dominic West in 2022. West, 54, recounted, "I sat next to her around that famous table for two or three days and got to just chat to her and listen to her hilarious jokes and sly remarks. She said at one point that she's going to throw in the towel now. She said: 'That's it. I'm not going to do any more.' And I said: 'What? Acting?' and she said: 'Yeah, no more acting.'" West continued, "I said: 'Theater as well?' And she said: 'No, I'm not doing theater either, and this will be my last job.' And that was incredibly emotional." However, Smith soon changed her mind. West recalled, "And then I went back the following week, and I said: 'It's so sad, Maggie.' And she said: 'Nonsense!' She's booked another film. She starts next week."
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