The world of cinema and theatre is mourning the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, an extraordinary actress whose remarkable career spanned several decades. Maggie Smith, renowned for her iconic portrayals both on stage and in film, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, shared the heartbreaking news, stating that their beloved mother departed peacefully in a London hospital, leaving behind two sons and five adoring grandchildren.
Smith’s illustrious career earned her widespread acclaim and made her a household name across generations. She garnered an Oscar for her captivating performance in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969, marking the beginning of a collection of accolades that would span her lifetime. Maggie Smith further enchanted audiences in the modern era through her roles as the formidable Dowager Countess of Grantham in the internationally beloved series “Downton Abbey,” and as the wise Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film saga.
Throughout her career, Smith was hailed as one of the finest British actors of her generation, standing shoulder to shoulder with icons like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. Her résumé boasted a wealth of awards, including multiple Academy Award nominations, a Tony Award, BAFTA awards, and Golden Globes. Despite her own musings on the roles available to older actresses, she consistently shone, even as she humorously referred to this phase of her career as a “gallery of grotesques,” a wry nod to the nature of character roles intended for older performers.
Known for her sardonic wit, Smith once remarked that taking on the role of Professor McGonagall was akin to securing a “pension,” revealing the pragmatic side of an artist who never took herself too seriously. Director Richard Eyre, having worked closely with Smith on the television production of “Suddenly Last Summer,” revered her as the “intellectually smartest actress” in his experience, emphasizing that she was formidable both on and off the stage.
Maggie Smith’s talent was already extraordinary during her early career years, evidenced by her award-winning roles such as in Jean Brodie—a performance that secured her an Academy Award and a BAFTA in 1969. Her versatility as an actress was showcased further with wins in categories of supporting roles, including her performances in “California Suite” and “Room with a View,” alongside nominations for films like “Gosford Park” and “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne.”
Even with her illustrious reputation, it was often commented that Maggie Smith could be a challenging presence, known to dominate scenes with her remarkable intensity.
. Richard Burton famously commented on her tenacity in scene-stealing as equivalent to committing “grand larceny,” though director Peter Hall was quick to defend that her so-called challenges were only evident when dealing with fools. With uncompromising standards, she was equally demanding of herself, which may have contributed to her prodigious success.
Film and theatre critics often noted her unique ability to transform the most mundane lines into something memorable. Frank Rich of The New York Times praised her adeptness in “italicizing” lines to the point of revitalization, exemplified by her infamous transformation of the simple phrase, “This haddock is disgusting,” into a comedic highlight in a 1964 revival of Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever.”
Smith’s remarkable career began in earnest when her talents were noticed at the Oxford Playhouse School following her family’s relocation to Oxford during World War II. Her rise to stardom was facilitated by her affiliation with Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre Company, and her role alongside Olivier in the 1965 film adaptation of “Othello” solidified her status as a leading lady.
Despite her public persona, Dame Maggie Smith was intensely private. She shunned the limelight outside of her professional sphere, preferring to let her work speak volumes. This sentiment was echoed by fellow actors such as Simon Callow, who shared anecdotes of Smith’s reticence toward admiration and praise, aspects she found discomfiting.
Recognized for her contributions to the arts, Maggie Smith was appointed as a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, a testament to her indelible impact on British culture. Her personal life included two marriages, first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she shared two sons. After their divorce, she found lasting companionship with writer Beverley Cross, until his passing.
As the sun sets on an era of undeniable talent and presence, Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy is immortalized through a treasure trove of unforgettable performances and her significant influence on the landscape of modern theatre and film. Her passing marks the end of a monumental era, yet her spirit and artistry will continue to inspire, teaching future generations of performers the art of grace, humor, and sheer talent.
