Maggie Smith passed away at the age of 89 on September 27.
The beloved actress, who held the honorary title of “Dame,” was photographed just a week before her death while out in London.
The British actress had dined at a restaurant she frequented. In the photo obtained by MailOnline, Smith is seen sitting at an outdoor table, dressed in a blue cardigan, jeans, and sneakers, looking at the menu.
A source revealed that at one point she became annoyed with a group of teenagers laughing loudly.
“Dame Maggie asked them to quiet down and be more respectful while eating,” said the source, who was seated at another table. “It was very much like her characters,” they added, admitting it was surreal, as it felt like seeing Professor McGonagall or Violet Crawley from Downton Abbey in real life.
Smith stayed at the restaurant for over an hour. “She had fish and chips,” the source told MailOnline.
Dame Maggie Smith's heartwarming final picture: How Downton Abbey star thrilled diners at lunch out in London just days before she passed away https://t.co/tZMi43Mwzg pic.twitter.com/TLVTA6Qszd
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) October 1, 2024
Seven days later, her family announced that Smith had passed away.
With a 70-year career, the Oscar-winning actress left a lasting legacy, known for her diverse repertoire, ranging from Shakespeare to the Harry Potter franchise. She enjoyed a long career on stage and screen for seven decades and was one of Britain’s most recognizable and prolific actresses. She received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmys, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for six Laurence Olivier Awards.
