Dame Maggie Smith, dead at 89: a life marked by battles with illness

Known for her unforgettable roles in works such as Downton Abbey, Sister Act and the saga Harry Potterwhere she played the famous Professor McGonagall, she left her mark on generations of spectators. Her death was announced in a statement from her family, specifying that she died “peacefully in hospital”. While the exact cause of her death has not been made public, Dame Maggie fought several battles with major health issues throughout his life.

In January 1988, Maggie Smith was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland and primarily affects women. This disease occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that overactivate the thyroid, leading to excess production of thyroid hormones. This causes hyperthyroidism with symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, rapid weight loss, heart palpitations and profuse sweating.

In an interview given in 1990, the actress confided that the disease had also affected her eyes, causing swelling and eye protrusion, which terrified her. “It was absolutely scary,” she admitted, recalling the sudden onset of these symptoms after a bicycle accident that broke her arm. She described this period of her life as a “fog of despair”, where she felt helpless and deeply affected.

To treat this condition, Dame Maggie underwent radiotherapy and optical surgery. She was also forced to isolate yourself for a full year, in order to recover. Despite these trials, she continued to have a prolific career, although this battle with Graves’ disease left a lasting mark on her health and career.

In 2007, while she was filming the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceDame Maggie Smith was hit by another major challenge: a diagnosis of breast cancer. The announcement came as a shock to the actress, who later confessed that the illness had “shattered” her. Although the cancer was detected relatively early, the treatment she underwent, including chemotherapyhad a severe impact on his physical condition.

Maggie Smith said the treatment helped her left without hair and feeling “horribly ill” from chemotherapy. It was a very difficult time for her, especially as she continued to work on the set of films Harry Potter. His role in the saga was also a symbol of his determination and professional commitment, even in the darkest moments of his life. Two years later, Dame Maggie was given the all-clear by doctors after overcoming the disease. This fight against cancer reinforced her image as a fighter in the eyes of her fans and colleagues, who praised her courage and tenacity in the face of adversity.

In November 2012, rumors regarding Maggie Smith’s state of health circulated in the press, suggesting a possible heart attack. According to some sources, the actress was urgently admitted to a specialist cardiology unit in London, after complaining of acute pain. However, this information was quickly denied. Her spokesperson clarified that it was a consultation for a routine medical procedure, and that Dame Maggie was able to leave the hospital the same day. These rumors, however, raised concerns about her fragile health, as she approached 80 years old.

In 2011, Dame Maggie Smith also revealed thatshe suffered from glaucoma, an incurable eye disease that can lead to progressive vision loss. Glaucoma is characterized by an increase in pressure inside the eye, gradually damaging the optic nerve. This disease mainly affects older people, and Maggie Smith has decided to personally commit to the fight against this condition by becoming a patron of Glaucoma UK.

She explained that she was lucky to have been diagnosed in time and can benefit from treatment to slow the progression of the disease. However, glaucoma remains a silent threat to vision and can lead to blindness if left untreated. This commitment demonstrates Dame Maggie’s desire to raise public awareness of the illnesses she suffered from, while continuing her acting activity despite these challenges.