Dame Maggie Smith honoured in heart-shattering way at Harry Potter theme park

It was announced on Friday that Dame Maggie Smith had passed away at the age of 89 after a seven decade career

Dame Maggie Smith has been honoured in a heart-shattering way at Harry Potter theme park after fans found out about her death.

It was announced that the legendary actress died at the age of 89 on Friday. Those who found out the news while at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter paused for a moment and held wands up to the sky to honour the actress.

A social media post shows a clip of super fans standing outside the replica of the iconic castle. The caption read: "Wands up… RIP Dame Maggie Smith. There’s no McGonagall without you. Rest in peace. You were the greatest Professor Hogwarts ever had. Thank you for bringing to life so many of our favorite characters growing up.

"Wands up… RIP Dame Maggie Smith. There’s no McGonagall without you. Rest in peace. You were the greatest Professor Hogwarts ever had. Thank you for bringing to life so many of our favorite characters growing up. From Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden, Thetis in Clash of The Totans, Granny Wendy in Hook, Mother Superior in Sister Act, our Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, & of course McGonagall.

"It was exactly a year ago today that Michael Gambon, aka Professor Dumbledore, passed away as well. It’s v strange feeling so upset over someone you haven’t met IRL. A Harry Potter movie marathon will now invoke so many more emotions… especially the 'I’ve Always Wanted To Use That Spell!' Thank you @universalorlando for allowing those in the park tonight to stand together & honor her in front of Hogwarts."

Maggie's sons announced her death on Friday after she had been in hospital. In a statement, they said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. 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 is best known for her iconic roles in popular productions such as Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. She won Academy Awards for her roles in 1969's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and 1978's California Suite. She was also Oscar nominated for 1965's Othello, 1972's Travels with My Aunt, 1985's Room With A View and 2001's Gosford Park.

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