Maggie Smith, the legendary British actress renowned for her captivating performances on both stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 89. A true luminary in the world of acting, Smith’s career spanned over seven decades, during which she enchanted audiences with her exceptional talent and penetrating wit. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed that she died early Friday (September 27, 2024) in a London hospital.
“Maggie leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are deeply devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” they mentioned in a heartfelt statement released through the family’s publicist, Clair Dobbs.
Smith, often celebrated as one of the greatest British actresses of her time, continuously stood out in a generation that included notable performers such as Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. Her trophy cabinet was a testament to her skill, adorned with multiple acting accolades, including two Academy Awards. In 1969, she won her first Oscar for her role as a disruptively charismatic teacher in ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,’ and then a supporting actress Oscar for ‘California Suite’ in 1978.
Entering the 21st century, Smith captivated younger audiences with her portrayal of the dowager Countess of Grantham in the acclaimed series ‘Downton Abbey’ and as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. In her own wry humor, she referred to the Harry Potter role as her “pension,” indicating its sustaining contribution to her later career.
Richard Eyre, who directed Smith in the television production of ‘Suddenly Last Summer,’ praised her as the “intellectually the smartest actress” with whom he had ever collaborated. “To outsmart Maggie Smith,” Eyre noted, “one had to rise very, very early in the morning.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Smith’s performances were marked by stunning versatility and an ability to convey complex characters with grace. Her unforgettable portrayal in ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ not only brought her critical acclaim but also the prestigious British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) in 1969.
Beyond her Oscar-winning roles, Smith’s performances were further recognized with Golden Globes for ‘California Suite’ and ‘A Room with a View,’ alongside several BAFTAs, including for ‘A Private Function,’ ‘A Room with a View,’ and ‘The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne’. She also captured the imagination on stage, winning a Tony Award in 1990 for her role in ‘Lettice and Lovage.’
Maggie Smith was known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense personality, a reputation that sometimes led to challenges in working relationships. Richard Burton famously said that working with her on ‘The VIPs’ was akin to “grand larceny,” given how thoroughly she dominated the scenes.
. Meanwhile, director Peter Hall defended her as not being “remotely difficult unless she’s among idiots,” acknowledging her high standards, both for herself and her colleagues.
Her brisk attitude, however, also contributed to her skill in portraying ‘spiky’ characters. “I do not tolerate fools,” she mentioned candidly, “and they certainly don’t tolerate me.”
Critics often highlighted her unique ability to elevate ordinary lines into moments of brilliance. Frank Rich of the New York Times celebrated her performance in ‘Lettice and Lovage,’ praising Smith for her capacity to infuse even mundane lines with the flair of repartees by literary giants like Noel Coward or Oscar Wilde.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith in Ilford, London, on December 28, 1934, her early life led her to embrace a passion for acting. Developing her craft at Oxford Playhouse School, Smith honed her skills in a variety of productions during her formative years.
Her stage name, Maggie, was adopted to distinguish herself from another actress named Margaret Smith. A breakthrough came when Sir Laurence Olivier welcomed her into his original National Theatre company, offering Smith the opportunity to co-star in the film adaptation of ‘Othello’ in 1965.
Despite her extraordinary skill and public acclaim, Smith was known for her private nature. Peers and collaborators often remarked on her reluctance to talk about her craft deeply, suggesting that such discussions might undermine its magic.
Throughout her personal life, Smith experienced both joy and hardship. She was honored as a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, a recognition befitting her contributions to British cinema and theatre. She married fellow actor Robert Stephens in 1967 and had two sons before their divorce in 1975. Later, she wed writer Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998.
Maggie Smith’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy marked by exceptional artistry and a lasting influence on the worlds of theatre and film.
