The actress Maggie Smith — one of the most familiar faces on both the big and small screens — has passed away at the age of 89, her family announced on September 27, 2024. The actress, awarded numerous prizes including two Oscars, distinguished herself in unforgettable roles such as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey — which is soon returning for a 7th season. Her prolific career has marked several generations of viewers, both in cinema and on television.
A career marked by iconic roles
Born on December 28, 1934 in Ilford, Essex, Margaret Natalie Smith began on stage in the early 1950s. She quickly made a name for herself at the Oxford Playhouse and then at the Old Vic in London, before joining the Royal National Theatre. In cinema, she won her first Oscar in 1970 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and was again awarded in 1979 for California Suite.
Among her most notable roles are the icy Lady Constance in Gosford Park (2001) and the Mother Superior in Sister Act (1992). But it was her portrayal of McGonagall, the headmistress of the magic school in Harry Potter, that propelled her to superstar status. Later, she played the sharp-tongued Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, a role that earned her numerous awards, including Emmy Awards.
A woman of theater and cinema
While Maggie Smith gained international fame through cinema, it was on stage that she took her first steps. She worked with the greats, from Laurence Olivier to Ingmar Bergman, and shone in Shakespearean productions such as Othello and Twelfth Night. However, she admitted to never having a strong taste for classic tragedies, preferring comedic roles that highlighted her sharp humor.
She had that rare ability to captivate in a fraction of a second. Her talent allowed her to juggle between vulnerability and ferocity with incredible precision. Nicholas Hytner, who directed her in The Lady in the Van, said of her: "She can capture in an instant more than many actors can convey in an entire film."
A battle against illness
In 2007, the actress was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite chemotherapy treatments, she continued filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, not hesitating to wear a wig on set. Her resilience was impressive. She later confided to the Times: "I was as bald as an egg." Maggie Smith also suffered from Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affected her health for several years.
An imperishable legacy
Knighted in 1990 by Queen Elizabeth II with the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Maggie Smith received numerous distinctions throughout her career. In 2014, she was named Companion of Honour, one of the highest British honors, in recognition of her services to the performing arts.
In 2023, at 88 years old, she became the face of the brand Loewe, participating in an advertising campaign where her wrinkles were left visible, symbolizing her strength and natural beauty.
Maggie Smith leaves behind an exceptional career and an indelible mark on the world of cinema and theater. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, as well as her five grandchildren, are in mourning but cherish the memory of an extraordinary woman. Maggie Smith died peacefully in a London hospital, surrounded by her loved ones.
Her talent, humor, and uncompromising nature will continue to inspire future generations. The great lady of British cinema has passed away, but her legacy will remain eternal.