Sandra Bullock Says Friend Maggie Smith's 'Wicked Sense of Humor' and Advice 'Made My Life Sweeter' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sandra Bullock and Maggie Smith.Photo:Getty(2)

Getty(2)

Sandra Bullockis paying tribute to the lateMaggie Smith.

“Her stories, her wicked sense of humor and her gentle advice are all things that have made my life sweeter,” Bullock, 60, adds.

The pair costarred with Ellen Burstyn, Ashley Judd and James Garner among an ensemble cast inDivine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, based on author Rebecca Wells' 1996 novel of the same name. The movie follows Bullock’s character Siddalee “Sidda” Walker as she revisits her childhood in Louisiana and reconnects with her mother Vivi (Burstyn) and Vivi’s childhood friends after they kidnap her.

Shirley Knight, Sandra Bullock, Maggie Smith and Fionnula Flanagan in 2002’s Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

“Maggie Smith was truly a great actress," Burstyn told PEOPLE exclusively. “There aren’t many of us that could be said about and when one of us goes, it is a tragedy all around. Her genius will be greatly missed.”

Smith portrayed the character Caroline “Caro” Bennett in the film; Katy Sleverstone and Mary Katherine Weiss portray younger versions of the character in the film as well.

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“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,” Stephens and Larkin added. “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

Ellen Burstyn, Maggie Smith, Fionnula Flanagan, Sandra Bullock and Shirley Knight in 2002’s Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

Smith won twoAcademy AwardsforThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodie(1969) andCalifornia Suite(1978) and also receivedGolden Globe Awards, in addition to four additional Oscar nominations and oneTony Awardduring an acting career that spanned over 70 years. In recent years, she grew well known for portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall in theHarry Potterfilms and Violet Crawley in the British television seriesDownton Abbey.Queen Elizabeth IImade Smith a dame in 1990 for her contributions to the performing arts.

source: people.com