Maggie Smith, a renowned actor known for her work in “Downton Abbey,” the “Harry Potter” franchise, and “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” passed away at the age of 89. Her sons confirmed her death on September 27, 2024, in a London hospital. While the cause of her death was not disclosed, she had previously shared details about her health issues, including a diagnosis of Graves’ disease, breast cancer, and other ailments.
In 1988, while performing in the play “Lettice and Lovage,” Smith was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a disorder that affects the thyroid gland. This condition caused several symptoms such as irritability, tremors, fatigue, heart palpitations, skin changes, and a change in eye shape. Smith underwent treatment for a year, which included radiation, surgery, and rehab to address the facial disfigurement caused by the disease. It was a challenging time for the actor as she navigated her health issues and continued her professional commitments.
During the filming of “Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince,” Smith discovered a lump in her breast, which turned out to be breast cancer. Despite assuming initially that it was benign, she underwent treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation, for two years. Smith found the treatment to be gruelling and more challenging than dealing with the cancer itself. Throughout the process, she continued to work and wore a wig on set to conceal her hair loss. After two years of treatment, she was declared cancer-free.
In 2016, Smith underwent hip replacement surgery, which forced her to miss the Golden Globe Awards where she was nominated for her role in “The Lady in the Van.” Despite feeling better post-surgery, she expressed difficulty in sitting for extended periods, especially during long flights. Additionally, Smith revealed that she had glaucoma in one eye, affecting her vision. She candidly shared this information in an interview, explaining that her eye condition was the reason she may appear to be looking awkwardly at others.
Throughout her health challenges, Smith displayed resilience and determination, continuing to work in film and theater. Despite the toll it took on her physically and emotionally, she persevered and eventually overcame her health issues. Her openness about her experiences with various health conditions shed light on the reality of living with such challenges and the impact it can have on one’s professional and personal life. Smith’s legacy as a talented and courageous actor will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike for generations to come.
