This Morning star leads the tributes to Harry Potter star Dame Maggie Smith as she dies age 89
DOWNTON Abbey stars have led tributes to Dame Maggie Smith as she dies aged 89.
The beloved actress played Professor Minerva McGonagall in blockbuster film franchise Harry Potter.
Maggie was also well-known for bringing her scathing wit to other roles, including as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said she died in hospital early this morning.
Following the news, tributes have started to pour in, with This Morning's Gyles Brandreth leading them.
Taking to social media, he said: "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
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"She was a truly great actress, “one of the greats” & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable."
Actor and comedian Omid Djalili said: "We’ve lost one the best today. RIP Maggie Smith."
Hugh Bonneville, who starred in Downton Abbey with Maggie, 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.”
Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold posted: "In a watering hole when the news broke. ‘Oh no!’ echoed around the tables.
"The restaurant dimmed the lights, glasses were raised. RIP the inimitable Dame Maggie Smith."
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