The lights of the world’s most prestigious and iconic theatres were dimmed tonight in memory of Dame Maggie Smith.
As family, friends and fans mourn for the loss of the British iconic actress who died last Friday, the lights of some of renown West End theatres were dimmed in honour of the double Academy Award-winning star who died aged 89.
A video shared online shows the moment several people stopping to film the minutes when the glittering lights which illuminate the street were momentarily turned off at 7pm.
It comes as MailOnline revealed images which showed Dame Maggie was on roaring form during a lunch at Lemonia restaurant in Primrose Hill just seven days before she died.
The two minute switch off was announced on Friday after the announcement of her death of the the beloved star by her sons Chis Larkin and Toby Stephens issued via her publicist.
The dimming of the lights is a solemn tradition where the great West End theatres switch off their outside lights for a minute in honour of those who have died.
The statement read: ‘It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
The lights of the world’s most prestigious and iconic theatres in London’s West End were dimmed tonight in memory of Dame Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith beaming for the camera in a fashion campaign for Loewe in what would end up being her last photo
Dame Maggie Smith attending the Royal and World Premiere of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Odeon in Leicester Square, London on February 17, 2015
Dame Maggie Smith in the 1976 film Murder By Death which also starred Alec Guinness
Maggie Smith on the stage of the Old Vic in London, on April 8, 1970, during an intermission of rehearsal of The Beaux’ Stratagem
Make up and hair artists add the finishing touches to Maggie Smith before she faces the camera with Peter Ustinov in the comedy ‘Hot Millions’ being filmed in 1968
‘She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
‘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.’
Dame Maggie was widely recognised after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
She also won the heart of Harry Potter fans when she appeared in the film services as Professor McGonagall.
Maggie Smith alongside Miriam Margolyes, Richard Harris and Alan Rickman in 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Dame Maggie Smith is made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on October 17, 2014
Dame Maggie Smith played the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey
However her recognition took a new step as she was central to ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.
She was nominated six times at the Academy Awards, two for a leading role and four for supporting, and won twice for her portrayals of Jean Brodie and Diana Barrie in the 1978 film California Suite.
She was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on October 17, 2014
The video, by Matt Hemley, showing the tribute and shared on social media, has been by over 200,000 people at the time of writing.
Harry Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe, who worked alongside Dame Maggie during the franchise said: ‘The first time I met Maggie Smith I was nine years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job.
‘I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her.
‘The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was “would you like me to call you Dame?” at which she laughed and said something to the effect of “don’t be ridiculous!”
‘I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films.’
Daniel Radcliffe as Young David and Maggie Smith as Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield in 1999
Dame Maggie as Professor Minerva McGonagall and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in The Philosopher’s Stone
Maggie Smith, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
Dame Maggie Smith appears in the 2005 film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram story
He spoke of her ‘fierce intellect’ and ‘gloriously sharp tongue’ and said she ‘could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny’.
The 35-year-old actor added: ‘I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.’
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the franchise also paid a heartfelt tribute.
He said: ‘Heartbroken to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious and always kind.
‘I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. I’ll miss you Maggie. Sending all my love to her family. Rupert x’
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram story that read: ‘When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend – the woman I was fortunate enough to share space with.
‘It is only as I’ve become and adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness. She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own. Thank you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you.’
Author JK Rowling also paid tribute to Dame Maggie with a social media post that simply said: ‘Somehow I thought she’d live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.’
