Actress Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89

Dame Maggie Smith has passed away aged 89, her family have announced.

Her two sons with actor Sir Robert Stephens, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, have since shared a statement via their publicist, which reads: "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.

“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."

Dame Maggie Smith has passed away, her two sons have announced (ITV)

They continued: "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.

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

Smith was a legend on both the stage and screen with a decade-spanning career starring in countless box-office smash-hits including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Sister Act and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

She won two Oscars during her career for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979.

She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II back in 1990 for her contributions to the Arts and a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to drama.

Smith is well-known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall (Warner Bros.)

And tributes have since flooded in for the late star following the devastating news, with many taking to social media to share their commiserations.

One X user wrote: "Rip Maggie Smith one of the undeniable greats of her time," while a second penned: "RIP Maggie Smith. A British icon."

"The great Dame Maggie Smith has passed away, aged 89. She was such a significant part of my childhood and adult life too. A brilliant actress, a wonderful human being. May she rest in peace. Thank you, Maggie, for the wonderful talent you shared with us all," a third commented.

Smith took home her first Oscar for her role in California Suite back in 1979 (Columbia Pictures)

A fourth called her death 'the saddest news', adding: "The death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.

"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."

Another added: "A painful loss. An eternal talent. RIP Dame Maggie Smith."

And a final X user echoed: "Dame Maggie smith, what an absolute icon in every sense of the word."