Maggie Smith, known for her vast range of roles from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. She won her first Oscar for her role in ‘The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie’ in 1969 and accumulated several Golden Globes and BAFTAs over her extensive career.
She was part of a distinguished group of actresses including Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith in Ilford, east London, on 28 December 1934, she succinctly described her life: “One went to school, one wanted to act, one started to act, one’s still acting.”
She attended Oxford High School for Girls and later the Oxford Playhouse School, which led to a busy apprenticeship. She adopted the stage name Maggie to avoid confusion with another actress named Margaret Smith.
A true British icon. Thank you for everything, Dame Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.com/FM3aQjv5Rq
— Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) September 27, 2024
At 18, Maggie made her stage debut in ‘Twelfth Night’ and gained fame through revues as a singer and dancer. Her talent caught the eye of Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join the National Theatre Company in London, where she showcased her skills in both comedy and tragedy.
Directors Ingmar Bergman and William Gaskill significantly influenced her career.
The film industry quickly acknowledged her talent, initially offering supporting roles. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Jean Brodie in ‘The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie’ in 1969, earning her an Oscar and a BAFTA for best actress. She won a second Oscar for best supporting actress for ‘California Suite’ in 1978, along with a Golden Globe. In 1990, the late Queen made her a dame.
Dame Maggie’s roles in ‘Love, Pain And The Whole Damn Thing,’ ‘The Lonely Passion Of Judith Hearne,’ and ‘Gosford Park’ brought her further accolades, including a sixth Oscar nomination. She gained a new generation of fans as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Violet Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey.’
Despite her success, she remarked to ES Magazine that these roles weren’t particularly satisfying. Her work in ‘Downton Abbey’ earned her three Emmys, a Golden Globe, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. She humorously referred to her role in Harry Potter as her pension.
She fought cancer while filming the eighth Harry Potter movies because she didn’t want to disappoint fans 🥹
Winner of 2 Oscars, 3 Golden Globes, 5 BAFTAs, 4 Emmys and 2 SAGs among other awards. Thank you for giving life to Minerva McGonagall 🏆
Goodbye, Maggie Smith 🪦 pic.twitter.com/PoTabdNich
— Daily Harry Potter (@TheDailyHPotter) September 27, 2024
Throughout her career, Maggie received numerous awards for films such as ‘Tea With Mussolini,’ ‘A Room With A View,’ ‘A Private Function,’ and ‘The Lonely Passion Of Judith Hearne.’ One of her most acclaimed performances was in ‘The Lady In The Van,’ a 2015 adaptation of Alan Bennett’s memoirs.
Maggie married fellow actor Robert Stephens in 1967, and they had two sons before divorcing in 1975. She remarried writer Beverley Cross that same year, who passed away in 1998. She is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren. Her family expressed their profound grief over the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Sky News reports Maggie Smith’s passing, highlighting her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, with tributes from Rishi Sunak and Gyles Brandreth praising her incredible performances. (Read more)
- BBC reported that tributes pour in for Maggie Smith, hailed as a national treasure. Her extraordinary career and iconic roles have left an indelible mark, celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. (Read more)
- Independent considers Maggie Smith’s passing at 89 as the end of an era for British cinema. Her legacy inspires generations to come. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When did Maggie Smith win her first Oscar?
She won her first Oscar in 1969 for The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
What roles introduced Maggie Smith to a new generation?
She was introduced to a new generation through Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
How many Oscars did Dame Maggie Smith win?
Maggie Smith won two Oscars.
When was Maggie Smith made a Dame?
She was made a Dame by the late Queen in 1990.
Who were Maggie Smith’s husbands?
She was married to Robert Stephens and later to Beverley Cross.
