It’s impossible to overstate the sheer breadth of Dame Maggie Smith’s career. Whether you knew her from Shakespeare or Harry Potter, she left an indelible mark on generations of theatergoers, movie lovers, and TV watchers alike. At 89, Dame Maggie Smith passed away, leaving behind a legacy that few could rival. From her early days on the stage to her scene-stealing performances in global phenomena like Downton Abbey, she captured hearts, minds, and screens. And honestly, she did it all with a touch of magic.
From the Stage to the Big Screen
Born Margaret Natalie Smith in 1934 in Ilford, East London, Maggie wasn’t destined to be just any ordinary actress. She famously described her life in this self-deprecating summary: “One went to school, one wanted to act, one started to act, one’s still acting.” Simple, right? But it was anything but.
At 18, Maggie took her first steps onto the stage, performing in Twelfth Night. It didn’t take long for her to catch the attention of the legendary Laurence Olivier. He personally invited her to join the National Theatre Company, and from there, her career soared.
Smith became a household name after winning her first Oscar in 1969 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, where she played the eccentric and fanatical teacher, Jean Brodie. Her performance was so striking that it earned her both an Oscar and a BAFTA. Talk about leaving an impression.
A Second Wave of Success
But she wasn’t done there. In 1978, Smith added a second Oscar to her mantle for her performance in California Suite. The film industry couldn’t get enough of her, and neither could we. Whether it was a major role or a supporting one, Maggie always knew how to steal the show.
Then, in 1990, the Queen herself made Maggie Smith a Dame. A fitting honor for an actress who had already achieved so much. But, as any true fan knows, some of Dame Maggie’s most famous roles were still yet to come.
The Magic of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey
For those of us who grew up in the 2000s, Dame Maggie Smith was Professor McGonagall. She brought the beloved character to life in the Harry Potter films, turning the stern, wise witch into an iconic figure for a whole new generation. It was a role that would forever connect her to one of the most magical franchises in film history. And for Maggie? It was a pension plan. Yes, you read that right. “Harry Potter is my pension,” she quipped.
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But it wasn’t just witches and wizards. Enter Downton Abbey—where Maggie delivered line after line as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Her sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and impeccable timing made her an instant fan favorite. Downton may have been an ensemble show, but no one could hold a candle to Maggie’s unforgettable portrayal of the Dowager.
A Storied Career with Countless Accolades
Dame Maggie’s career was, in a word, remarkable. Over the years, she earned three Emmys, a Golden Globe, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Oh, and let’s not forget those two Oscars we mentioned earlier. But the honors didn’t stop there. She also won numerous awards for her roles in Tea With Mussolini, A Room With A View, A Private Function, and The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne. It’s safe to say, she was no stranger to standing ovations.
One of her final iconic roles came in 2015 with The Lady In The Van, an adaptation of Alan Bennett’s memoirs. It was the perfect role for a performer who had spent her entire career masterfully capturing eccentric, larger-than-life characters.
A Life Off Screen
Maggie’s personal life was just as full. She married fellow actor Robert Stephens in 1967, with whom she had two sons before they divorced in 1975. The same year, she married writer Beverley Cross. Sadly, Cross passed away in 1998. But Maggie found joy in her family, leaving behind two sons and five grandchildren. In a statement, her sons expressed their devastation over the loss of their “extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
A Lasting Legacy
Dame Maggie Smith’s impact on the world of entertainment is undeniable. She was a chameleon who could tackle anything—from the complex emotions of Shakespeare to the enchanting worlds of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Her career spanned decades, and she entertained audiences across generations.
And the best part? She did it with wit, charm, and a little bit of sarcasm—just like the Dowager Countess herself. So, as we bid farewell to this acting legend, it’s clear her legacy will continue to inspire actors and delight fans for many years to come. After all, there aren’t many who can say they conquered both Shakespeare and Hogwarts. But Dame Maggie? She did it with grace.
Here is the information organized in a table:
| Award | Year | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Awards | 1965 | Best Supporting Actress | Othello | Nominated |
| 1969 | Best Actress | The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie | Won | |
| 1972 | Best Actress | Travels with My Aunt | Nominated | |
| 1978 | Best Supporting Actress | California Suite | Won | |
| 1986 | Best Supporting Actress | A Room with a View | Nominated | |
| 2001 | Best Supporting Actress | Gosford Park | Nominated | |
| BAFTA Awards | 1958 | Most Promising Newcomer to Film | Nowhere to Go | Nominated |
| 1965 | Best British Actress | Young Cassidy | Nominated | |
| 1969 | Best Actress | The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie | Won | |
| 1978 | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Death on the Nile | Nominated | |
| 1979 | Best Actress | California Suite | Nominated | |
| 1981 | Best Actress | Quartet | Nominated | |
| 1984 | Best Actress in a Leading Role | A Private Function | Won | |
| 1986 | Best Actress in a Leading Role | A Room with a View | Won | |
| 1988 | Best Actress in a Leading Role | The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne | Won | |
| 1993 | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | The Secret Garden | Nominated | |
| 1999 | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Tea with Mussolini | Won | |
| 2001 | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Gosford Park | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Best Actress in a Leading Role | The Lady in the Van | Nominated | |
| British Academy Television Awards | 1984 | Best Actress | All for Love: Mrs. Silly | Nominated |
| 1989 | Best Actress | Talking Heads: A Bed Among the Lentils | Nominated | |
| 1993 | Best Actress | Screen Two: Memento Mori | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Best Actress | David Copperfield | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Best Supporting Actress | Downton Abbey | Nominated | |
| Non-Competitive Awards | 1993 | BAFTA Special Award | Herself | Honoured |
| 1996 | BAFTA Academy Fellowship | Herself | Honoured | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 1993 | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special | Great Performances: Suddenly, Last Summer | Nominated |
| 2000 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie | David Copperfield | Nominated | |
| 2003 | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special | My House in Umbria | Won | |
| 2010 | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special | Capturing Mary | Nominated | |
| 2011 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie | Downton Abbey | Won | |
| 2012 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Won | |
| 2013 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Won | |
| Golden Globe Awards | 1963 | New Star of the Year – Actress | The V.I.P.s | Nominated |
| 1965 | Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama | Othello | Nominated | |
| 1969 | Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama | The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie | Nominated | |
| 1972 | Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical | Travels with My Aunt | Nominated | |
| 1978 | Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical | California Suite | Won | |
| 1986 | Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture | A Room with a View | Won | |
| 2001 | Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture | Gosford Park | Nominated | |
| 2003 | Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film | My House in Umbria | Nominated | |
| 2011 | Best Supporting Actress – Television | Downton Abbey | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Best Supporting Actress – Television | Downton Abbey | Won | |
| 2012 | Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical | Quartet | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical | The Lady in the Van | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | 2001 | Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture | Gosford Park | Won |
| 2011 | Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie | Downton Abbey | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Won | |
| 2012 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Won | |
| 2014 | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Drama Series | Downton Abbey | Won |
Relive the Magic of Maggie
If you’re feeling nostalgic for Dame Maggie Smith’s incredible performances, why not revisit some of her classic roles? Whether it’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, The Lady in the Van, or her iconic turn as Professor McGonagall, Maggie’s performances never get old.