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.
Your Opinion Doesn’t Matter To Me. She’s The One I Want To Share My Life With!
In a society that often seems obsessed with youth and superficial beauty, Keanu Reeves’ recent public appearance with his gray-haired partner offers a fresh and in-depth look at real love. This performance is not just a moment of personal joy for Reeves, but also a powerful symbol against conventionality beauty standards and ageism in relationships, which invites us to reconsider our biases and cultural programming.
Stereotypes
The surprising news of Reeves’ choice to share his life with someone who defies society’s beauty standards speaks volumes.
This choice not only challenges the stereotypes that influence our perceptions of relationships, but also highlights how public figures can help broaden our view of love and relationships.
“I want to share my life with her,” Reeves declared, a phrase that should resonate deeply with those who believe that love goes beyond physical and settles in the souls of those involved.
This counterbalances the superficial view often promoted in media and entertainment, where love is often reduced to visual appeal and youth.
Characters
Reeves’ choice to openly demonstrate his love for his partner, regardless of her age or hair color, sets a powerful precedent.
As a public figure, his action has the potential to shift norms and expectations around relationships and attractiveness.
Celebrities play an undeniable role in shaping societal attitudes; their choices can serve as catalysts for important discussions and changes, such as those surrounding ageism and the true value of emotional connections.
Their influence is far-reaching, and by using their platform to promote unconventional choices, they can make significant positive stimulate changes in society.
Social-Cultural
It is essential that we as a society reflect on the pressure we place on individuals to conform to certain relationship images.
Reeves’ relationship reminds us that love is much more complex and profound than what is often portrayed by the media.
It underlines the importance of shared experiences, values, and insights that underlie sustainable partnerships.
It encourages us to look beyond the superficial criteria that are often emphasized and recognize that the core of a relationship lies in the connection, communication and shared respect between partners.
Connection
Keanu Reeves’ choice to share his life with his loved one, regardless of external factors, highlights a universal truth: true connection knows no boundaries.
Love transcends age, appearance and other superficial characteristics that are often overemphasized in popular media.
This public appearance is a powerful reminder that in matters of the heart, the deepest and most satisfying relationships are rooted in mutual respect, understanding and a shared vision of life.
Main points of the article: Your opinion doesn’t matter to me. She’s the one I want to share my life with!
- Challenge of Stereotypes: Reeves’ choice challenges existing stereotypes about beauty and age and promotes a more inclusive view of love.
- Celebrity Influence: As a public figure, Reeves has the power to redefine societal norms and promote greater inclusivity through his personal choices.
- Reflection on Social Pressure: The relationship encourages a rethinking of societal pressures surrounding relationships, and encourages us to appreciate the true essence of connection.
- Essence of True Connection: The genuine love between Reeves and his partner redefines what it means to be in a relationship, regardless of physical or material considerations.
These moments, no matter how small, are the building blocks for a more loving and inclusive world.
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