Dame Maggie Smith has graced both the stage and screen for more than six decades. From her early years in British theatre to her iconic roles in films and TV such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), the Harry Potter series, and Downton Abbey, Smith has demonstrated a versatility that few can match. Thanks to her wit and commanding presence, she has become one of the most beloved actresses of her generation.

Early Life

 Margaret Natalie Smith was born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, England. Her father was a pathologist, and her mother was a secretary. She was the youngest of three, with twin older brothers. The family moved to Oxford when she was four years old. Maggie attended Oxford High School until she was 16 years old. She then left to pursue acting at the Oxford Playhouse, where she studied until 1953.

Theatre

She started out in the theatre as an understudy at the Oxford Repertory. However, she never had the opportunity to step in for any of the actors, as none of them ever got sick. In 1952, at the age of 17, she was cast as Viola in Twelfth Night at the Oxford Playhouse. She continued to act in productions at the Oxford Playhouse. In 1956 Smith made her Broadway debut, playing several roles in the review New Faces of ‘56.

Continuing to be recognized for her talent, she joined the Old Vic Theatre in London, a company famous for producing some of the finest Shakespearean productions. Smith’s range, from light comedic performances to powerful dramatic roles, made her a standout in London’s West End.

Laurence Olivier, at seeing her, asked her to join his National Theatre Company, where she played Desdemona opposite Laurence Olivier’s Othello in 1964. It was during this period that she earned widespread acclaim, winning her first Best Actress Evening Standard Award for her roles in The Private Ear (1962) and The Public Eye (1963). Smith had a gift for delivering biting humor with impeccable timing, which would define many of her later performances.

The Small and Big Screen

It didn’t take long for someone with her level of talent to receive offers for television and film. She started with small roles, before quickly moving up the call sheet. Smith again took on the role of Desdemona in the movie adaptation of Othello (1965) along with Laurence Olivier. In 1969, she starred in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie as an eccentric teacher who is passionate about inspiring her students. The role would earn her the first of her two Academy Awards. Her second Oscar arrived in 1978 for her supporting role in California Suite (1978).

Maggie Smith has graced the silver screen in a variety of fantastic films, including Death on the Nile (1978), Clash of the Titans (1981), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), Tea with Mussolini (1999), and many more. However, most of us know and love her for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet kind-hearted teacher in the Harry Potter series.

Downton Abbey

In 2010, at an age when most people might consider stepping back, Smith once again reinvented herself. She took on the role of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey, a role that earned her three Emmy Awards, four SAG Awards, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA. Her sharp one-liners and ability to balance wit with poignancy made her a fan favorite, adding yet another iconic character to her storied career.

Personal Life

Maggie Smith preferred to keep her personal life private. Her first marriage was to actor Robert Stephens in 1967. The two would have two children together before divorcing in 1975. That same year, she would marry playwright Alan Beverly Cross. They remained married until he passed away in 1998.

In 1988 Smith was diagnosed with Graves’ disease she received treatment for. And in 2009 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis happened during the filming of the Harry Potter series, but she continued to work through her treatments. She was able to make a full recovery.

Legacy

In 1990, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). Then in 2014, she was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH), one of the highest recognitions in Britain.

Maggie Smith’s influence on acting is undeniable. From her Shakespearean roles to iconic film performances, she has consistently adapted, evolved, and excelled. Her work is marked by sharp intelligence and emotional depth, enchanting audiences and inspiring fellow actors for decades. Whether in the halls of Hogwarts or the grand estates of *Downton Abbey*, her body of work remains enduring, and her impact continues to resonate in the acting world.

Maggie Smith passed away on 27 September 2024, aged 89