Jennifer Garner paid homage to her former costar, Maggie Smith, who passed away at age 89 on Friday.
On Saturday, the Alias star, 52, uploaded a heartfelt tribute honoring the late Oscar-winning actress, who she first met on the set of the 1997 film Washington Square.
‘Maggie Smith and I worked together almost thirty years ago in my first ever movie, Washington Square,’ the mother-of-three recalled. ‘Maggie was the best introduction to the film industry, can you imagine? She was generous and kind, and so funny!’
Garner continued: ‘I took Maggie to HER first ever baseball game, where we had a beer and cheered for the home team.’
‘The pictures from that day have been lost for years, but I cherish the memory,’ she concluded. ‘RIP, Dame Maggie.’
Jennifer Garner paid homage to her former costar, Maggie Smith, who passed away at age 89 on Friday; seen on September 24, 2024
Smith was an acclaimed actress, whose accolades included two Academy Awards wins for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978), as well as five BAFTAs, three Gold Globe Awards, and a Tony Award for Lettice And Lovage (1990).
Many younger fans know Smith for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in all six Harry Potter films (2002-2011) as well as the role of Violet Crawley in the British TV series Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).
The Ilford, Essex, England native made her professional debut on television in an episode of BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1955), which was followed by her film debut in the drama Child In The House (1956).
Some of her more popular films over the years included Death On The Nile (1978), Clash Of The Titans (1981), A Room With A View (1985), Romeo.Juliet (1990), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), The First Wives Club (1996), Tea with Mussolini (1999).
Smith’s last film role came in the drama, The Miracle Club (2023), for which she starred with Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, and Stephen Rea.
It had its premiere in June of last year at the Tribeca Festival in New York City.
Smith’s two sons confirmed their mother’s death via publicist Clair Dobbs in the morning hours on Friday.
‘It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,’ their statement read.
On Saturday, the Alias star, 52, uploaded a heartfelt tribute honoring the late Oscar-winning, who she previously worked with on the 1997 film Washington Square
‘Maggie Smith and I worked together almost thirty years ago in my first ever movie, Washington Square,’ the mother-of-three recalled. ‘Maggie was the best introduction to the film industry, can you imagine? She was generous and kind, and so funny!’ (seen in the 1997 film Washington Square)
‘She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September,’ they continued, ‘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.’
The statement ended with Stephens and Larkin thanking the ‘wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’ for the care they gave her in her final days, as well as the fans for their messages of support.
Stars across the pond in the States have been sharing tributes to the iconic performer.
‘Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion,’ Rob Lowe wrote via X, in a reference to their film Suddenly Last Summer (1993).
He continued: ‘She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!’
Smith was an acclaimed actress, whose accolades included two Academy Awards wins for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978); pictured in 2012
Sandra Bullock, who had the pleasure of not only working with Smith on the comedy-drama film Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002), but also the honor of calling her a friend, was among the stars who paid tribute to the star’s legacy.
‘How lucky am I to have sat in quiet corners with Maggie and a glass of wine,’ Bullock, 60, told PEOPLE just hours after Smith’s sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed her passing.
‘Her stories, her wicked sense of humor and her gentle advice are all things that have made my life sweeter,’ Bullock added.
Maren Morris revealed how she has always loved Smith in such roles as The Secret Garden, Hook, Sister Act, Harry Potter, and Downton Abbey.
‘My childhood. Rest easy, Maggie Smith,’ she concluded her tribute.
Viola Davis heaped praise on Smith for ‘defying the expectations of age’ in a touching tribute.
Many younger fans know Smith for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in all six Harry Potter films (2002-2011) as well as the role of Violet Crawley in the British TV series Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022); Smith seen in 1969
‘The end of an era of the sheer definition of what it means to be an actor. You created characters that clung to us, moved us, entertained us……made us look within, the actress added. ‘You were greatness personified Dame Maggie Smith.’
Smith’s Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg gushed about working with the late actress twice in her lifetime.
‘Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,’ Goldberg shared Instagram, sharing a photo of the pair in their nun costumes.
‘I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the one-of-a-kind. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family … RIP.’
Smith is survived by her two sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin and her five grandchildren.
