Downton Abbey's Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89

Beloved British actress Dame Maggie Smith has passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, September 27, 2024. We take a look at her incredible life and legacy. 

Dame Margaret Natalie Smith, known globally as Maggie Smith, was a towering figure in the world of theater, film, and television. Born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, England, Smith captivated audiences for over seven decades with her remarkable talent, dry wit, and unforgettable performances. From her early days in British theater to her iconic roles in cinema, her contributions to the arts have left an indelible mark on both British and global culture.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Maggie Smith was the youngest of three children born to Margaret Hutton, a Scottish secretary, and Nathaniel Smith, a public health pathologist. The family moved to Oxford when Smith was a child, and it was there that her interest in acting began to take shape. She attended Oxford High School and later studied acting at the Oxford Playhouse, where her natural talent for performance quickly became apparent.

Her professional debut came in 1952 at the Oxford Playhouse in a production of Twelfth Night. Soon after, Smith joined the repertory company at the Royal National Theatre, one of Britain's most prestigious theaters. By the late 1950s, she had established herself as one of the country’s most promising young actresses, earning critical acclaim for her roles in Shakespearean plays and other classic works.

Rise to Stardom: Stage and Screen

In 1962, Smith’s performance as Desdemona in Othello at the National Theatre solidified her status as a major stage actress. Her portrayal earned her widespread praise, and she was invited to reprise the role in the 1965 film adaptation alongside Laurence Olivier. This role earned Smith her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, setting the stage for a remarkable screen career.

The 1960s and 1970s were a golden period for Smith, as she transitioned seamlessly between stage and screen. In 1969, she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, where she portrayed an eccentric and controversial Scottish schoolteacher. Her portrayal of the complex, free-spirited character became one of her signature roles and remains a standout in her career.

Her second Academy Award came in 1978 for her role in California Suite, a Neil Simon comedy in which she played a British actress who loses an Oscar, ironically winning one in real life for the role. Smith’s ability to move from drama to comedy with effortless grace demonstrated her incredible range as an actress.

Later Career: From Harry Potter to Downton Abbey

As she aged, Smith continued to take on roles that challenged and delighted audiences. Perhaps one of her most recognizable roles to younger generations is that of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, a character she portrayed from 2001 to 2011. Smith’s portrayal of the strict but kind-hearted professor became a fan favorite and introduced her to a new generation of admirers.

In addition to her work in Harry Potter, Smith also gained further acclaim for her role as the sharp-tongued, witty Dowager Countess of Grantham in the British television series Downton Abbey (2010-2015). The role earned her multiple awards, including three Emmy Awards, and cemented her status as one of the most beloved figures in modern British television. Her memorable one-liners and impeccable comedic timing made her character a highlight of the series.

Throughout her later career, Smith remained committed to the theater, returning to the stage in various roles. She continued to win accolades for her performances, proving her enduring relevance and talent even into her 80s.

A Quiet Private Life

Despite her global fame, Maggie Smith was known for her fiercely private nature. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she largely stayed out of the public eye when not on screen or stage. Her personal life saw its share of challenges, including a battle with breast cancer in 2007, which she overcame while continuing to work on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Smith was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Robert Stephens in 1967, with whom she had two sons, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens. The couple divorced in 1975. In 1975, she married playwright Beverley Cross, with whom she remained until his death in 1998.

Despite the tragedies and health struggles she faced, Smith was characterized by her resilience and dedication to her craft. Her commitment to excellence has earned her not only the admiration of her peers but also the affection of audiences worldwide.

Legacy and Influence

Dame Maggie Smith's legacy is undeniable. With two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, three Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, she was one of the few actresses to achieve the coveted Triple Crown of Acting (Oscar, Emmy, and Tony). Her contributions to British theater, film, and television influenced generations of actors, and her body of work stands as a testament to her versatility and talent.

Knighted in 1990 and made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), Maggie Smith's honors reflect not only her achievements in acting but also her service to the arts and her cultural significance in Britain.