Maggie Smith, revered as one of the most talented British actors of her generation, passed away on Friday in London at the age of 89. Smith, known for her versatility on stage and screen, delivered iconic performances in roles ranging from the bold and unconventional teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey.
Her family confirmed her passing in a hospital through a publicist’s statement, although the cause of death was not disclosed.
American audiences became familiar with her through her award-winning role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), where she portrayed a progressive teacher at a girls’ school in the 1930s. The film won her an Academy Award for Best Actress, with The New York Times praising her portrayal for its depth and nuance.
Smith went on to win a second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978). In this film, based on Neil Simon’s comedy, she played a British actress attending the Academy Awards with her husband, who faces the struggles of her personal life amidst the glitz of Hollywood.
Throughout her illustrious career, Smith accumulated numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a Tony, two Golden Globes, six BAFTAs, and countless nominations. Despite these accomplishments, she was able to maintain a degree of anonymity — until the immense popularity of Downton Abbey.
Downton Abbey’s Breakout Star
Downton Abbey, which aired from 2010 to 2016, brought Maggie Smith to an even larger audience. Her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, delivered some of the most memorable lines and moments of the show. Lady Violet’s biting wit and unwavering adherence to old-world values made her a standout character, turning Smith into an international sensation in her mid-70s.
Despite her newfound fame, Smith maintained a down-to-earth attitude. Reflecting on her success, she once remarked how surprising it was that she became famous so late in life, commenting, “I led a perfectly normal life until Downton Abbey came along.”
Her earlier forays into film had already made her well-known in Britain, and roles like Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series endeared her to younger generations. Her portrayal of the stern yet caring professor resonated with millions of fans worldwide.
A Career Spanning Stage and Screen
Born Margaret Natalie Smith in Essex in 1934, Maggie Smith’s acting career began in Oxford, where her father taught at university. She joined the Oxford Playhouse at a young age, later debuting on both stage and screen in the 1950s. Her early films included The V.I.P.s (1963) and The Pumpkin Eater (1964).
Smith’s career in theater was equally impressive, with her work at the National Theater in London earning her critical acclaim, particularly her roles in productions like Othello and Hedda Gabler. She won a record six Evening Standard Theater Awards and a Tony Award for her performance in Lettice and Lovage (1990).
Smith’s film roles often placed her in period costumes, playing characters from different eras. Her performances in A Room with a View (1985), The Secret Garden (1993), and Gosford Park (2001) were celebrated for their depth and nuance.
Legacy and Final Years
Despite facing health challenges later in life, including battles with Graves’ disease and breast cancer, Smith remained active in both film and television. She won four Emmy Awards, three of which were for her performance in Downton Abbey.
Smith’s final films included The Lady in the Van (2015) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022), which introduced the Crawley family to Hollywood and the French Riviera.
In her personal life, Smith was married twice: first to actor Robert Stephens and later to playwright Beverley Cross. She is survived by her two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both actors, and five grandchildren.
While Maggie Smith will forever be remembered for her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and her ability to disappear into any role, her true legacy lies in the indelible mark she left on stage and screen.
