Dame Maggie Smith, the Oscar-winning British actress, passed away on September 27 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over six decades in film, television, and theatre. Known for her transformative performances and her ability to effortlessly command the screen, Smith earned the respect and admiration of audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the *Harry Potter* series brought her global recognition, introducing her talents to a new generation of fans. For older audiences, she was already well-established as a scene-stealing presence in both film and theatre, with many considering her one of the finest British actresses of her generation.
Smith's range was extraordinary, transitioning from dramatic roles to comedic ones with remarkable ease. She won her first Academy Award in 1969 for her performance as the fiercely charismatic schoolteacher Miss Jean Brodie in *The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie*. Her portrayal of this complex, dangerous character won her not only an Oscar but also a BAFTA, solidifying her place as one of the greatest talents of her time. She would later go on to win another Oscar in 1978 for Best Supporting Actress in *California Suite*, showcasing her versatility and unmatched ability to embody a wide range of characters.
Beyond her Oscar-winning roles, Smith garnered critical acclaim in numerous other films, including *Othello* (1965), *Travels with My Aunt* (1972), *A Room with a View* (1985), and *Gosford Park* (2001), each earning her Academy Award nominations. Her contributions to British cinema and theatre were recognized with multiple BAFTAs, including awards for her work in *A Room with a View* and *The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne* (1987), among others. On stage, her remarkable talent earned her a Tony Award in 1990 for her role in *Lettice and Lovage*, further cementing her status as a powerhouse of the performing arts.
Smith’s ability to elevate every role she took on, no matter how small, made her a standout in ensemble casts, often outshining her co-stars. This talent was evident in *Downton Abbey*, where her portrayal of the sharp-tongued and quick-witted Dowager Countess of Grantham won her legions of new fans and multiple accolades, including Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Awards. Her work in the series brought her three Golden Globe nominations in 2012 alone, including one for *Downton Abbey* and another for her roles in *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* and *Quartet*. Even in her later years, Smith remained in high demand, demonstrating that her ability to captivate audiences had not diminished with age.
Despite her success, Maggie Smith remained remarkably humble and often downplayed her achievements. In interviews, she was known for her sharp wit and dry sense of humor, often poking fun at her own career. She famously referred to her role as Professor McGonagall in the *Harry Potter* series as her "pension," a nod to the financial security the franchise brought her in her later years. However, her performances in the films were far more than just a paycheck—they were a testament to her enduring talent and ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Her colleagues, too, recognized her brilliance. Director Richard Eyre, who worked with Smith on a production of *Suddenly Last Summer*, described her as "intellectually the smartest actress I've ever worked with." Many who collaborated with her remarked on her meticulous approach to acting, her intelligence, and her ability to breathe life into every character she played. Her co-star Richard Burton famously said that Smith didn’t just steal scenes—she committed "grand larceny," taking over any scene in which she appeared.
Although Smith had a reputation for being tough and exacting, this was often misunderstood as difficult behavior. Those who knew her well understood that her impatience stemmed from a deep dedication to her craft and a refusal to tolerate mediocrity. As Smith herself once said, "It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me, so I am spiky." Her prickly on-screen persona often mirrored her real-life personality, and she became known for playing formidable older women with a sense of humor and grit.
Despite her public career, Smith was intensely private. She rarely gave interviews and preferred to keep her personal life out of the limelight. This only added to her mystique, as fans and critics alike were left to admire her work without much insight into her personal thoughts or motivations. Her ability to disappear into her roles, coupled with her reluctance to discuss her craft, made her one of the most intriguing figures in the entertainment industry.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she grew up with a passion for the arts and acting. Her career began on stage at the Oxford Playhouse, and it wasn’t long before she was noticed by Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join the National Theatre. Her early stage performances quickly led to film roles, and she became a staple of British cinema, working with some of the most esteemed directors of her time. Smith was influenced by greats like Ingmar Bergman and William Gaskill, whose guidance shaped her approach to acting.
In her personal life, Maggie Smith was married twice—first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons, and later to playwright Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both followed in their mother’s footsteps and became actors themselves, continuing the family’s contribution to the world of theatre and film.
Throughout her life, Maggie Smith garnered a reputation as one of the greatest actors of her generation. Her career, marked by numerous awards, unforgettable performances, and a lasting impact on audiences and fellow actors alike, stands as a testament to her unparalleled talent. In the years to come, Smith’s work will continue to be celebrated, and her legacy as a giant of British theatre and cinema will endure for generations.
Â
