Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance

Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 – Fans startled by her final public appearance

Dame Maggie Smith, Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter star, died aged 89, her family confirms.

A two time Oscar winner and a legend of the stage and screen, Smith was regarded one of the greatest actors of her time. She started her acting career on stage at the Oxford Playhouse and went on to make a name for herself and remained under the limelight for a stunning number of years.

The news of her sudden passing was shared by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
“She died quietly this morning, Friday, September 27, in the hospital. A deeply private individual, she passed away surrounded by loved ones,” their joint statement read.

“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,” it continued.

“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” Smith’s sons concluded.

Throughout her long and rich career, Smith appeared in feature films such as Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and more recently Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s The Miracle Club.

Back in 2009, Smith disclosed with the public that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She opened up about receiving treatments and filming scenes as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the same time.

“I used to go to treatment on my own, and nearly everybody else was with somebody,” she told Tim Teeman. “I wouldn’t have liked that. Why would you want to make anybody sit in those places?”

She had also opened up about her own mortality. “I was relieved to be the age I was because by now you feel like it’s all over anyway.

“That’s why I hated seeing young people receiving treatment [at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London]. I couldn’t bear that, it didn’t seem fair. To be honest, you feel so ghastly you wouldn’t mind dying a lot of the time.”

Smith was married twice. Her second husband, screenwriter Beverley Cross, whom she considered the great love of her life, passed away in 1998, leaving her mourning his loss until her own passing.

She wasn’t known as someone who was spotted in public often, so her last public appearance left her fans startled.
It was at the Wimbledon men’s singles final that Smith was spotted in public. Dressed elegantly, in a navy blue shirtdress with a stylish dot pattern on it accessorized with a blue jacket and black leather heels, she stunned many.

The photos of her and her stunning choice of outfit, which she had completed with a pink lipstick, received plenty of comments. “So elegant!” one person commented. “You [look] so beautiful,” another added.

Following her passing, tributes came pouring in. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first to share his condolences, saying Smith “was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”

Hugh Bonneville, fellow Downtown Abbey co-star, said: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.

“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”

Smith’s passing represents an immense loss for the acting world. May she rest in peace.

The Meaning Behind Sneakers Hanging from Power Lines

Ever ponder why sneakers are dangling from electrical wires? People have been enthralled with this strange sight for years. This strange occurrence still fascinates us even though it might not be as often as it previously was. What is the backstory, then?

Historical Roots and Folklore

According to one account, this technique originated during World War II. After serving their time, soldiers would dispose of their boots by hanging them on power lines. This allegation isn’t backed up by any hard data, but it’s an intriguing theory that heightens the mystery.

There’s also the theory that gangs might utilize this to demarcate their region. But there is also a dearth of strong evidence to support this idea. It’s probable that over time, myths and urban legends have given the phenomenon this interpretation.

Neighborhood Dynamics and Bullying

There’s a common misconception in the media that associates bullying with shoes on electrical lines. There have been documented cases when hanging shoes have been connected to intimidation, even if there may not be enough proof to back up this theory. But it’s unclear exactly what this connection entails or how often it is.

The Attitude of “Just Because”

The most widely accepted theory is probably that people do this only for amusement or curiosity. When one individual acts impulsively, others soon follow suit, encapsulating the spirit of carefree youth. It has come to represent unfettered happiness in a way.

It’s common to view people hanging their shoes from power lines as a lighthearted joke or a tiny act of defiance. It’s a means of making a brief but lasting impression on the world we live in.

Prioritizing safety and taking responsible action

Even while it might seem innocuous to toss shoes into electrical lines, it’s important to put safety and appropriate conduct first. Utility personnel who remove the shoes run the risk of injury in addition to the individuals involved when they tamper with electrical lines.

Consider giving used sneakers to someone in need or properly disposing of them rather than throwing them into power lines. We can guarantee both environmental responsibility and human safety in this way.

We can learn more about society dynamics and human behavior by comprehending the several concepts that underlie this seemingly strange conduct. Thus, the next time you see sneakers hanging from a power wire, keep in mind the significance of safety and appropriate behavior in addition to appreciating the fascinating mystery behind it.