The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress who passed away peacefully at 89. Known for her extraordinary talent and wide-ranging roles, Smith leaves behind a towering legacy, one that has touched countless lives in both the film and theater industries. Her passing, announced by her family early Friday morning, has prompted heartfelt tributes from her co-stars and fans alike.

Among the first to pay tribute was Whoopi Goldberg, who co-starred with Smith in the beloved 1992 film Sister Act and its 1993 sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. Goldberg, visibly emotional, took to Instagram to honor her late co-star, writing, "Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can't believe I was lucky enough to work with the 'one-of-a-kind.'" The post quickly garnered attention, with over 60,000 likes within an hour of being shared. Fans and colleagues alike poured in their condolences, remembering the special on-screen chemistry between Goldberg’s Deloris Van Cartier and Smith’s Mother Superior, roles that captivated audiences and showcased Smith’s versatile range.

"Maggie was always the consummate professional. Her ability to command a scene was unmatched, and she had the unique gift of elevating every project she was part of," Goldberg added in her tribute. The post featured a nostalgic snapshot of the pair in Sister Act 2, a film loosely based on the life of real-life choir director Iris Stevenson, who helped inspire the upbeat, transformative storylines that both films explored. Smith’s portrayal of the stern yet caring Mother Superior won over audiences, and her on-screen dynamic with Goldberg has remained a cultural touchstone for decades.

Other stars who had the privilege of working alongside Smith also paid their respects. Actor Rob Lowe, who starred with her in the 1999 TV movie Suddenly, Last Summer, reflected on his experience sharing the screen with the legendary actress. "I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion," Lowe wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. Godspeed, Ms. Smith."

Smith, known for her intensely private nature, was with close friends and family in her final moments, according to a statement released by her family. "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 read. Her sons, Toby Stephens, an accomplished actor, and Chris Larkin, also an actor, have long carried on their mother’s artistic legacy.

The family extended their gratitude to the medical team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where Smith spent her final days. "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," they added. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but tributes from fans and celebrities continue to pour in as the world celebrates the life and work of one of the finest actresses of her generation.

Maggie Smith's illustrious career spanned over six decades, with standout roles in both film and television, from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to her iconic portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. She was a two-time Academy Award winner, receiving her first Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and her second for California Suite in 1978. Smith's unmatched ability to seamlessly transition from dramatic roles to more comedic and whimsical parts earned her admiration from both peers and audiences alike.

Smith’s passing has left an indelible mark on the world of acting. Her grace, wit, and effortless talent captivated generations of viewers, and her extensive body of work will continue to inspire future actors and filmmakers. She is remembered not just as a star, but as a dedicated craftswoman, whose commitment to the art of acting raised the bar for everyone around her. As Whoopi Goldberg poignantly expressed, "Maggie was truly one-of-a-kind."