Dame Maggie Smith, the revered British actress known for her unforgettable roles in the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey, as well as her two Academy Award-winning performances, has passed away at 89.

In a statement sent through publicist Clair Dobbs on Friday, September 27, her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed the news, stating, "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith."

"She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September," they continued. "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."

"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," Stephens and Larkin added.

The brothers concluded, "We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."

With nearly 50 feature appearances, Smith's two Academy Awards were from California Suite (1978) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969).

In addition, she received four Golden Globe Awards and received four more Oscar nominations.

She gained notoriety for her roles as Violet Crawley in the Downton Abbey television series and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series.