Dame Maggie Smith, the British actress known for her role as the poised Professor Mcgonagall in the Harry Potter series, passed away last week. The BBC confirmed the Oscar-winning actress’ death, quoting her family.

According to The Guardian, Smith was born in 1934 and grew up in Oxford. She began acting at the city’s Playhouse theatre as a teenager. In its obituary, the BBC noted that she made her acting debut in 1952 and was still working six decades later, having moved from aspiring star to national treasure.

In 1969, she was cast in the lead role of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie for which she won the best actress Oscar in 1970. Apart from her role in the seven Harry Potter films, Smith was also known for her portrayal of the sassy Dowager in period drama Downtown Abbey.