The British stage has lost one of its brightest stars. Dame Maggie Smith, a beloved actress renowned for her work in film, television, and theater, passed away on September 27, 2024. Her six-decade career has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her extraordinary talent.

Her passing has spurred reflection on the evolving landscape of British theatre and film. As one of the last remaining pillars of the classical British acting tradition, Smith embodied a connection to a bygone era, one that celebrated the power of the stage and the written word. She will be deeply missed.

A star is born: Dame Maggie Smith’s early years

Dame Smith, born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, England, discovered her passion for acting at a young age. After honing her craft at the Oxford Playhouse School, Dame Smith embarked on her professional acting career in the late 1950s. Her raw talent and ability to infuse depth into her characters quickly captivated audiences and critics alike. A pivotal moment in Dame Smith’s career occurred when she joined the Royal National Theatre, where she collaborated with the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier. Her performances in Shakespearean productions at the Royal National Theatre solidified her reputation as a versatile and commanding actress. This early stage experience provided the foundation for her successful transition to film and television. Dame Smith’s prolific career showcased her extraordinary versatility, shifting seemlessly from tragic heroines to comedic geniuses. Some of her most famour roles include:

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

This role earned Dame Smith her first Academy Award for Best Actress. Portraying an eccentric, inspirational teacher in a Scottish girls’ school, she captured the complexities of the character, blending arrogance, charm, and manipulation. Her performance catapulted her to international stardom, demonstrating her exceptional ability to command both stage and screen.

A children’s actress,
recognized globally as Minerva
McGonagall in the Harry
Potter Series (2001-2011)

Dame smith’s portrayal of Professor McGonagall, the wise, strict, yet deeply caring Hogwarts teacher, endeared her to a younger generation of viewers. The performance struck a perfect balance of toughness and compassion, reflecting Dame smith’s mastery of nuanced roles.

A global sensation as
The Dowager Countess in
Downton Abbey (2010-2019)

One of Dame smith’s most beloved roles, her portrayal of the sharp-tongued but ultimately kind-hearted Dowager Countess of Grantham won her global acclaim. Her impeccable comedic timing, and expertiese in every scene made her a fan favorite. Dame smith’s performance was instrumental in the global success of Downton Abbey, earning her multiple awards, including three Emmys.

Consistent theatre contributions

Dame Smith’s contributions to the stage are equally significant. She dominated the West End and Broadway with performances in classics like Hedda Gabler and The Importance of Being Earnest. Her theatrical career was defined by her versatility, allowing her to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, from Shakespearean tragedies to Noël Coward’s witty comedies. Her long-term association with prestigious theaters like the National Theatre and the Old Vic cemented her status as a theatrical powerhouse.

Dame Maggie Smith’s
influence on the industry
and fellow actors

Dame Maggie Smith’s work has inspired generations of actors, including luminaries such as Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren, and Imelda Staunton. Dame Smith served as a beacon of artistic excellence for younger generations, proving that true talent knows no bounds of age, era, or medium. Beyond her talent, Dame smith was renowned for her humility and approachability. Colleagues described her as a consummate professional, dedicated to her craft without pretense.

Dame smith’s genuine qualities made her not only a beloved actress but also a cherished figure within the British and international theater and film communities.

Tributes following her death

Dame Maggie Smith’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. Dame Smith’s ability to connect with audiences on a profound emotional level was unparalleled, whether portraying an aristocratic dowager, a beloved teacher, or a tragic heroine. Tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and public figures alike, celebrating her exceptional talent, grace, and kindness.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe recalled his first encounter with Dame Smith, stating, “The first time I met Maggie Smith, I was 9 years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job. I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her.” He continued, “I remember feeling nervous to meet her, and then she put me immediately at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and I was fortunate enough to go on working with her for another ten years on the Harry Potter films.”

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram story, acknowledging her lack of awareness of Dame smith’s legendary status as a child. “When I was younger, I had no idea of Maggie’s legend—the women I was fortunate enough to share space with. It is only as I’ve become an adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness. She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors, and by God, you held your own. Thank you for all your kindness. I’ll miss you.”

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, joined the movie’s trio in paying tribute to Dame Smith. He shared, “I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. I’ll miss you Maggie. Sending all my love to her family.”

Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery told People magazine, “There was no one quite like Maggie. I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick. She will be deeply missed, and my thoughts are with her family.”

Hugh Bonneville, who starred as her on-screen son, Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey, told The Post in a statement, “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes remarked, “Maggie and I go back a bit now because the first time we worked together was on Gosford Park, which we made in about 2001. I was terrified of course, and she was always very kind, very professional, and very funny—both in her acting and off the screen. She had a marvellous, instinctive grasp of her roles, and her great gift as an actress was that she could make you cry your eyes out one minute and then laugh like a drain the next without turning into someone different. She was a joy to write for and I’m very pleased that with Downton Abbey, we gave her a busy last act of such an extraordinary stellar career. She was a great person, and it has been a privilege for me to have worked with her.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer penned, “Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds through the countless stories she portrayed throughout her long career. She was beloved by many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.”

King Charles III shared, “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we can join all those around the world in remembering with fondest admiration and affection on her many great performances, along with the warmth and wit that shone through both on stage and off.”

Dame Helen Mirren said in an interview with The Associated Press, “ It’s a very sad day for the whole culture of theater and cinema in England. She was undoubtedly one of the greatest actresses of the past century.”

Rob Lowe, who worked with Dame Maggie in 1992’s Suddenly, Last Summer, reflected on their time together, “ I am saddened to hear of Dame Maggie Smith’s passing. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But she was funny and great company, and suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!”

Many fans gathered outside Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando to raise their wands in tribute for Dame Maggie Smith.

Quotes from Dame Maggie Smith

On her advice for young actors: “Work hard, be patient, and never give up on your dreams.”

On her legacy: “I hope people will remember me as a good actress and a kind person.”

On her role in Downton Abbey: “I thought, ‘Oh God, this is going to be dreadful. I’m going to be playing a horrible old woman.’ But it’s been wonderful.”

On playing Minerva McGonagall: “I was very fortunate to be asked to play Minerva McGonagall. She’s a wonderful character, and I enjoyed every minute of it.”

On working with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson: “The three young actors were fantastic. They grew up so much during the course of the series, and it was a pleasure to watch them develop.”

On the role of women in society: “Women have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.”

Lines from Harry Potter Series

“I’m afraid I’m a bit of a dinosaur. I’m not quite sure what a muggle is.”

“I’ll have order!”

Lines from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

“I am giving you the best of my life.”

“We are a set of fire.”

“I’ll have a little romance, a little bit of scandal.”

“We must have a creed.”

“I am a lioness.”

Lines from Downton Abbey

“What is a weekend?”

“Don’t be defeatist, dear. It’s very middle class.”

“A good marriage is a blessing, but a bad one is a curse.”

“Tradition is the enemy of progress.”

“We are the aristocracy, not the gentry. There’s a difference.”

“Change is inevitable, but progress is not.”

“Life is a series of disappointments.”