DameMaggie Smith, the unparalleled British actress with a career spanning more than 70 years, has passed away at the age of 89.
Leaving behind a legacy of performances, from her iconic role as Professor McGonagall inHarry Potterto the withering wit of the Dowager Countess inDownton Abbey, Smith has been adored by generations, gathering almost 90 credits to her name across several genres. Her work on television, film, and stage led to her being one of the most recognizable faces working in the industry.
Downton Abbey: A New Era
Follow-up to the 2019 feature film in which the Crawley family and Downton staff received a royal visit from the King and Queen of Great Britain. Maggie Smith returns.
Maggie Smith’s Unrivaled Career on Stage and Screen
Born in Essex in 1934, Margaret Natalie Smith made her acting debut at the Oxford Playhouse in 1952, before quickly moving to London’s West End. Having achieved almost instant success, she worked under the directorship of Laurence Olivier at the National Theatre, acting in several Shakespearian productions and seamlessly transitioning between comic and tragic roles.
Smith’s film career began in the 1960s, when her role in the 1969 movieThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodiebrought her to the attention of both the industry and audiences. Her portrayal of the unconventional teacher landed her not only an Oscar nomination, but a win for Best Actress. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Smith took on a variety of roles in both British and American movies. Her second Oscar came in 1978, for Best Supporting Actress inCalifornia Suite, where she played an actress nervous about attending the Oscars, something she knew something about.
Some of her memorable ‘80s roles includedA Room with a View, where she earned herself another Academy Award nominatino for her portrayal of Charlotte Bartlett. Meanwhile, her range became apparent when appearing inThe Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne, in which she delivered a heartbreaking performance as a lonely woman whose life is falling apart. However, despite already having an illustrious career, she would gain a whole new level of fame in her later years thanks to roles in two huge franchises.
Harry Potter and Downton Abbey Success
Smith endeared herself to a new generation of fans with roles inmovies such asSister Actand its sequel,Hook, andThe First Wives Clubin the 1990s, but it was in 2001 when taking on the role of Hogwarts teacher Minerva McGonagall inHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stonethat she really became a face that yet another generation began to recognize. Playing the role of the stern but caring professor across the entireHarry Potterfranchise became another huge achievement, and cemented her legacy in a way that even her greatest award-winning roles cannot.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
However, she would not end there. As well as making her presence felt on the big screen, she also became a television icon with her role asthe acerbic-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham inDownton Abbey. Delivering her scathing lines with impeccable comic timing and exuding an almost royal presence in the role, Smith added yet more accolades with three Emmy wins for her role in the series.
Here are the 8 Best Maggie Smith Movies and TV Shows
If you are gearing up for the newest Downton Abbey or simply craving a fun Maggie Smith marathon, this is the perfect list of films to choose from.
Her contributions to the industry across eight decades are unrivaled, and her awards and praise were only added to by receiving a British Damehood in 1990 and a Companion of Honor in 2014. Smith’s extraordinary career only amplifies the sadness of her passing, which is a true end of an era. However, there is no doubt that her legacy will continue to inspire many generations to come.
Smith died on 07 June 2025 at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. She will be sadly missed.
