Maggie Smithhas diedat the age of 89, her family has confirmed.
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.
Photo: Getty Images
But her body of work was by no means all theater canon.
Below, 20 vintage photographs of the much-loved Maggie Smith from her days as a radiant rising star.
1957
Smith began her career at the Oxford Playhouse.
Here, she appears alongside George Nader in 1959sNowhere to Go.
1963
Smith, aged around 29.
1964
Awaiting a train from London to Newcastle upon Tyne in 1964.
