the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the beloved series “Downton Abbey.” That part could have been, and probably was, written to suit Ms. Smith’s distinctive ability to infuse a mere (sorry, Lettice) string of words with delicately enunciated but ...

Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” has died, her publicist said Friday.

Actors, collaborators and fans who worked with Dame Maggie Smith are paying tribute to the award-winning actor, known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” movies and “Downton Abbey.”

Maggie Smith, the British actress known for her roles in the "Harry Potter" film franchise" and "Downton Abbey," has died at 89.

Looking back at some of the Dowager Countess' best quotes in "Downton Abbey" in light of Maggie Smith's death at the age of 89.

The Harry Potter movies. 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.' 'The Lady in the Van." 'A Room With a View.' Maggie Smith wasn't just an actor. She and her characters were practically a genre unto themselves.

You’ve seen Dame Maggie Smith in every iteration of “Downtown Abbey” and “Harry Potter.” Now it’s time to look at the esteemed career of the actress before she was the Dowager Countess or Minerva McGonagall.

"We were more than fortunate to be part of the last act in her stellar career," Julian Fellowes said in a statement.