Fans check up on Dames Judi Dench, Helen Mirren online after Maggie Smith's death

Google Trends shows uptick in searches for the two legendary British actors in the US and UK

The beloved British acting royalty Dame Maggie Smith died at the age of 89 on Friday. She was most popular among the younger demographic because of her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

The news of her death has left fans deeply saddened, including King Charles who shared a heartfelt tribute: "As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage."

In the aftermath of the announcement, an uptick was noticed on Google Trends in the United States and the United Kingdom with people searching for Judi Dench (89) and Helen Mirren (79).

“It’s a very sad day for the whole culture of theatre and cinema in England. She was one of the greatest actresses of the past century, without a doubt," Mirren said of Smith's passing. The two actors worked together in Robert Altman's intriguing 2001 comedy-drama mystery Gosford Park.

Meanwhile, in a resurfaced video, Smith playfully complained that Dame Judi Dench was always offered acting roles before her. The two iconic actors reflected on their illustrious careers in the documentary Tea with the Dames (2018).

“We’re going to work forever if we’re asked,” said Dame Judi. Dame Maggie humorously responded, “But you’re always asked first, if I may say so.”

The two starred alongside each other in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), Ladies in Lavender (2004), Tea with Mussolini (1999), and A Room With A View (1985).

The writer and director of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Ol Parker penned a beautiful piece in The Guardian on Friday titled 'Remembering Maggie Smith'.

Sharing a sweet memory of Dame Maggie and Dame Judi on the sets in India, he wrote: "Every evening in India the old actors would have dinner together. Every morning Maggie and Judi would swim in their Victorian swimsuits. And every day we would all laugh and laugh. She had two laughs, Maggie; a dry cackle, and a genuine, head-back roar. To hear the latter was the greatest pleasure, to inspire it the biggest privilege. I’ll miss them both. I’ll miss her."

In a separate development, British legend Ringo Starr cancelled the final two dates of his US tour (New York and Philadelphia) with the All-Starr Band due to falling ill with a cold, the band announced earlier this week.

"Ringo has come down with a cold and after consulting a doctor he was advised to cancel these two remaining shows and get rest," a post on the band's Instagram said.

Fans showed overwhelming support after Starr (84) cancelled Tuesday's show due to illness and wished him a speedy recovery, though some expressed disappointment as the announcement came just hours before doors were due to open.