In a poignant moment for the entertainment world, the cherished British actress Maggie Smith, known for her indelible performances on both stage and screen, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Celebrated for her Oscar-winning role in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and relished by new generations for her portrayal of the Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” as well as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series, Smith leaves an enduring legacy in the arts.
Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her passing in a heartfelt statement, disclosing that the beloved actress died early Friday in a London hospital. “She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” they expressed through her publicist, Clair Dobbs.
Renowned for her remarkable talent, Maggie Smith was often regarded as the quintessential British actress of her generation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. Her career was adorned with a plethora of accolades, including a collection of Academy Award nominations and countless acting honors, ensuring her status as one of the most esteemed figures in the industry.
Despite reaching advanced years, Smith’s career flourished, albeit with her own wry acknowledgment of the industry’s typecasting of older actresses. She amusingly described her later roles as “a gallery of grotesques,” choosing to embrace them with humor. Her role as Professor McGonagall, she famously quipped, was “Harry Potter is my pension.”
The director Richard Eyre, who collaborated with Smith on a television production of “Suddenly Last Summer,” reflected on her sharp intellect, describing her as “intellectually the smartest actress I’ve ever worked with.” He emphasized the challenge she posed to directors, noting, “You have to get up very, very early in the morning to outwit Maggie Smith.”
Her brilliance as an actress was first widely recognized with her portrayal of Jean Brodie, a dangerously charismatic schoolteacher in Edinburgh, which won her both the Academy Award for Best Actress and the British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) in 1969. Smith’s talent was versatile, earning her a supporting actress Oscar for “California Suite” in 1978 and numerous Golden Globes and BAFTAs for her performances in other acclaimed projects.
Smith was also acknowledged for her stage work, ultimately winning a Tony Award in 1990 for her performance in “Lettice and Lovage.” Her commitment to the craft was unwavering, earning her three Golden Globe nominations in 2012 for her role in the globally successful “Downton Abbey” series and the films “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “Quartet.”
Notably, Smith garnered a reputation not only for her acting but also for her formidable presence, often outshining others on the set.
. Her co-star Richard Burton humorously remarked on her ability to dominate scenes, stating that she didn’t just steal scenes in “The VIPs” but committed “grand larceny.” Director Peter Hall clarified that Smith was “not remotely difficult unless she’s among idiots,” portraying her as demanding yet fair.
With her sharp wit, Smith acknowledged her spikiness, admitting, “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me.” Her ability to imbue lines with depth was praised by critics like Frank Rich, who noted her capacity to transform ordinary dialogue into something extraordinary.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, she quickly gravitated toward acting during her time in Oxford, where her talent flourished at the Oxford Playhouse School. Inspired by her experiences there, she took on the stage name Maggie to distinguish herself in the theater world.
Smith was discovered by Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join his original National Theatre company. This opportunity paved the way for a rich career, further honed under the guidance of directors like Ingmar Bergman and William Gaskill.
In spite of her grand public persona, Smith was known for her intense privacy. Describing an encounter with her, fellow actor Simon Callow recalled how her aversion to personal flattery marked their early relationship.
Dame Maggie Smith was honored with the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, recognizing her significant contributions to the performing arts. She married fellow actor Robert Stephens in 1967, later remarrying writer Beverley Cross in 1975. Both relationships were integral parts of her life, with Cross passing away in 1998.
Maggie Smith’s passing marks the end of an era, her work serving as a testament to her formidable talent and dedication. The entertainment world mourns the loss of a true legend, whose performances will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
