Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance

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.

Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany shared a passionate kiss while they were at Disneyland with their family.

Country star Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany openly showed their love for each other during a family trip to Disneyland.

They were seen hugging and sharing a passionate kiss while leaning against a wooden rail at the theme park in California.

Jason and Brittany were spotted cozying up as they leaned up against a wooden rail and shared a steamy kiss. (Mega)

Brittany wore a lilac minidress, a silver chain necklace, and sunglasses, while Jason was dressed casually in a gray T-shirt and a baseball cap. They were photographed next to a pole with drinks, which looked like wine and beer, at the base.

In another photo, Jason is hugging Brittany from behind, and she’s smiling happily.

The happy couple went to Disneyland with their two kids, Memphis, 6, and Navy, 5.

The Aldeans often visit Disney theme parks and have shared their family trips on social media before.

In October 2022, Brittany posted on Instagram about the fun her family had at Disney.

She wrote: “We had so much fun at Disney that I couldn’t post everything! We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and I highly recommend it.”

She shared their top three rides: Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar, and Soaring. Brittany loves motion simulators and rides that include scents. She said the trip was full of smiles and happy tears.

The post also featured a slideshow of family photos.

The first picture showed Jason and Brittany holding their kids in front of the Disney castle and an American flag. They were all wearing Disney-themed outfits.

Other photos featured the family posing with Mickey and Minnie Mouse mascots.

Jason was seen hugging his daughter, while Brittany was riding the amusement park attractions with their son.

Jason and Brittany first met when Jason was still married to his ex-wife, Jessica Ussery. He divorced Jessica in March 2013 and started dating Brittany a year later.

They got engaged in September 2014, and Brittany shared on Instagram how happy she was, saying she couldn’t wait to spend her life with Jason and was excited about their future together.

The couple married in Mexico on March 21, 2015.

Jason also has two daughters, Keeley and Kendyl, from his marriage to Jessica.