Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated British actress renowned for her iconic roles as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series and the Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” passed away at the age of 89 on September 27 in London. Her passing was confirmed by her two sons, who shared that she left us peacefully at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. With a career spanning over 70 years, Smith’s legacy includes more than 60 films and over 70 stage productions, firmly establishing her as one of Britain’s most prolific actors.
In a rare engagement with the media, Smith, known for her strong preference for privacy, often allowed her work to communicate her talents. Despite receiving numerous accolades, including two Oscars and three Emmys, she notably missed many major award ceremonies. This led to humor from late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who quipped in 2016 about establishing the “Maggie Smith Rule,” suggesting that anyone who skips an award ceremony should be disqualified from winning.
Born on December 28, 1934, in Essex, England, Smith’s journey into the acting world began in Oxford when her family relocated there during her childhood. Making her stage debut at 17 at the Oxford Playhouse, she embodied the character Viola in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” The 1960s marked a turning point for her, as she became a staple at the Royal National Theatre and transitioned to television and film.
Smith earned her first Oscar nomination in 1965 and clinched her first Academy Award in 1969 for her portrayal of a politically engaged teacher in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.”
Her remarkable talent spanned genres, earning her widespread acclaim. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted her seamless ability to move between comedy and drama, with renowned British director Alan Bennett commenting, “The boundary between laughter and tears is where Maggie always remains composed.”
In 1989, she received the title of Dame from the late Queen Elizabeth II, a testament to her contributions to the arts, with further recognition in 2014.
Fans particularly cherish her later roles, especially as the strict yet caring Professor McGonagall and the formidable Dowager Countess. Known for her sharp wit, Smith embodied McGonagall’s character on and off the set. During the filming of the sixth “Harry Potter” movie in 2008, she fought through chemotherapy for breast cancer while remaining dedicated to her role, downplaying her health struggles to her concerned supporters. Reports confirmed her recovery in 2009.
Smith also battled health issues in 1988, being diagnosed with Graves’ disease, which necessitated radiation therapy and eye surgery.
Her exacting standards made working with her a distinctive experience. Director Richard Eyre remarked, “She can’t tolerate foolishness… You need to be on your game with her, or she won’t let it slide, but it keeps you sharp.”
As McGonagall, Smith’s sharp humor shone through, particularly in the final “Harry Potter” film, where she joyfully declared, “I’ve always wanted to try that spell” after successfully using Hogwarts’ statues in battle.
Beneath her serious facade was a compassionate soul that resonated with audiences, especially in her portrayal of the beloved Dowager Countess. After “Downton Abbey” concluded its six-season run, she reflected, “I had been working for a long time before ‘Downton Abbey,’ and my life is lovely now; nobody knows who I am,” expressing her contentment with stepping back from the limelight.
Smith’s characters frequently blended sharp humor with genuine warmth, as evidenced by the Dowager Countess’s endearing traits. She reprised her role in the 2019 “Downton Abbey” film and its sequel, “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” released in 2022.
As Maggie Smith takes her final bow from life’s stage, she leaves behind a profound legacy that will be honored and remembered by generations of fans. Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, expressed his sorrow over her passing, stating, “She was one of the most talented women in history, and she leaves us with an incredible legacy that will live on in our memories.”
