Acclaimed British actor Maggie Smith dies aged 89

FILE PHOTO: Downton Abbey cast member Maggie Smith poses for the media at a hotel in central London, Britain August 13, 2015. Downton Abbey's final season is due to premiere in September. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's Maggie Smith, one of the most acclaimed actors of her generation with a career ranging from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has died aged 89, her family said on Friday.

Smith was one of a select few to win the treble of an Oscar, Emmy and Tony during seven decades on stage and screen, becoming a star known for her sharp intelligence and waspish wit.