Maggie Smith, the beloved star of 'Harry Potter' and 'Downton Abbey,' leaves us with her unmatched legacy. What did she teach us?
Maggie Smith, the indomitable icon of stage and screen, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy woven with unforgettable characters and a treasure chest of accolades. Known for her sharp wit and fierce performances, the Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress graced the world with roles that ranged from the wistful ingenues of Shakespearean dramas to the stern Professor McGonagall in the beloved Harry Potter series. With almost seven decades of acting experience under her belt, her rise from stage to screen was a true testament to her talent and versatility.
Dame Maggie Smith began her career in the 1950s as a leading lady in theatre, enchanting audiences with her performances in plays like "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." However, it wasn’t until her notable roles in television and films that she captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. Fans adored her portrayal of the tart-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham in the award-winning series "Downton Abbey," where her character’s humorous quips became instantly quotable. Clearly, her ability to seamlessly blend humor with gravitas made her a beloved figure in both classic and contemporary arts.
The illustrious roles in her career tell a story not just of acting but of resilience and evolution. From the classic portrayal of Desdemona in "Othello" to the captivating Virginia Woolf in "A Room with a View," Maggie's performances transcended time and space. As Professor McGonagall, she brought the gravitas of a wise old witch to life in the Harry Potter universe, a character that solidified her legacy in modern pop culture. The impact of her characters extended beyond their narratives, resonating with fans from every generation and in every corner of the globe.
As we reflect on the enchanting life of Dame Maggie Smith, it’s hard not to giggle at the quirky overlap between magical realms and historical dramas. Who knew that the very same actress who once scolded Harry Potter for being late was the one serving tea in the grand estates of England? With her sharp tongue and bigger heart, she reminded audiences far and wide that drama and comedy often go hand in hand.
Fun Fact: Did you know that despite all her acclaim, Dame Maggie Smith once claimed not to be a fan of watching her own performances? And a little icing on the cake: before achieving legendary status, she appeared in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of "As You Like It" — a true testament to the wide-ranging impact of her artistic talents!
Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress Maggie Smith played everything from wistful ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the Dowager ...
Actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89, her family has said. A legend of British stage and ...
In a career that began in the 1950s, her roles ranged from Desdemona to Miss Jean Brodie, Virginia Woolf and Minerva McGonagall.
Iconic British actress Maggie Smith — known globally for her roles in 'Harry Potter' and 'Downton Abbey' — has died at the age of 89.
British actress Dame Maggie Smith had an extensive career in theater and movies, gaining international acclaim in later roles in "Harry Potter" and "Downton ...
Maggie Smith, a lauded British actress who starred in "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey" has died at the age of 89.
Dame Maggie Smith, who has died aged 89, had an incredibly varied career as a star of stage, screen and TV – from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to Downton ...
Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress Maggie Smith played everything from wistful ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the Dowager ...
Maggie Smith, the stern Professor McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" movie franchise and the tart-tongued Dowager Countess on "Downton Abbey," has died, ...
Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress Maggie Smith played everything from wistful ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the Dowager ...
A distinguished, double Oscar-winning actor whose roles ranged from Shakespeare to Harry Potter.
Maggie Smith, the masterful, scene-stealing actor who won an Oscar for 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and gained new fans in the 21st century as ...
Actors, collaborators and fans who worked with Maggie Smith are paying tribute to the award-winning actor, known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” movies ...
It has been announced this afternoon that legendary stage and screen actress Dame Maggie Smith has sadly died aged 89.
Smith's seven-decade stage and screen career included many beloved roles, from "Harry Potter" Professor Minerva McGonagall, to Dowager Countess Violet ...
FILE - British actress Dame Maggie Smith poses in London on Dec. 16, 2015. Smith, who won an Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and won new ...
One of Britain's best loved performers who was as much at home with comedy as with drama.
Oscar-winning British actor Maggie Smith, a star of stage and screen for more than seven decades, died in hospital in London on Friday, her sons announced,.
Learn about the extraordinary career and life of the celebrated stage, film, and television actress and beloved Downton Abbey star.
Before she reached a new level of TV celebrity in the 21st century, Smith had a remarkable big-screen career, channelling her stage presence into the camera ...
Dame Maggie Smith, the revered British actress known to many for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, ...
The writer of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel remembers working with an actor impossible to separate from her withering but warm screen persona.
Dame Maggie Smith, the consummate English actress who immortalized such characters as Jean Brodie (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie), Diana Barrie (California ...
Daniel Radcliffe has shared a heartfelt tribute as he mourns the death of the Oscar-winning British actor Maggie Smith, who died on Friday aged 89 ....
Maggie Smith's trademark biting wit laced with sarcasm and vinegar both deepened and mellowed with age in roles like 'Downton Abbey.'
Oscar, Emmy and Tony winning actress Maggie Smith, who played everything from ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the dowager ...
Smith's seven-decade stage and screen career included many beloved roles, from "Harry Potter" Professor Minerva McGonagall, to Dowager Countess Violet ...
Dame Maggie Smith appeared in over 50 films and was one of Britain's best-known actresses.
The 89-year-old Englishwoman had a career that straddled "the old world of acting and the new".
No matter what generation they are from, fans will have fond memories of a beloved character played by Maggie Smith.
Her stage work in the 1970s in Canada gave her a chance to reinvent herself and reach wonderful levels of performance.
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
Versatile star whose work across eight decades spanned crowd-pleasing comedy, Shakespearean tragedy and wizardry.
Oscar, Emmy and Tony winning actress Maggie Smith, who played everything from ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the dowager ...
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
British actress, Dame Maggie Smith, has passed at the age of 89. The family of the 'Harry Potter' and 'Downtown Abby' star announced that she spent her last ...
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
Rebecca Mead writes about the acclaimed actor Dame Maggie Smith, who has died at the age of eighty-nine.
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
The cast of "Harry Potter," including Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, remember Maggie Smith with sweet tributes.
The former cabaret star, who died on Friday aged 89, dazzled in everything from Shakespeare to Harry Potter.