Maggie Smith, the masterful, scene-stealing actor and Oscar winner who starred in “Downton Abbey” and the Harry Potter films, died at 89.

Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for

Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for

Maggie Smith, the actress who played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and starred in "Downton Abbey," died at age 89.

She was frequently rated as the preeminent British actress of a generation that included Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench.

Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and won new fans in “Downton Abbey,” has died, her publicist said on Friday. She was 89.

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. She was 89.

Dame Maggie Smith, known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89, her sons have said.

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,” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter...