'Harry Potter' actress Maggie Smith breathes her last at 89

Actress Dame Maggie Smith, who is widely-known for her iconic character Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter, has died at the age of 89.

Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced the death of one of the world’s most distinguished actresses in a tragic update on Friday, September 27.

Confirming the news to the BBC, they stated, "She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September."

Speaking of their beloved mother, who appeared in over 50 films and won two Academy Awards for 1969's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, they further added, "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.

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

On professional front, the English actress rose to fame after her mind-blowing performance as Viola in a stage production of 1952's Twelfth Night.