The world is in mourning over the passing of the iconic British actress Dame Maggie Smith, aged 89. She reigned supreme over both the stage and the screen with her authoritative performances. It is not very often that such a legacy is added to one’s tremendous career spanning seven decades. While she may have died, as it were, an end is being marked to an era for an actor whose talent, grace, and versatility have established him as a household name and a true legend in the performing arts.
Margaret Natalie Smith was born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, England. She loved acting and was educated at the Oxford Playhouse School. She later honed her skills there. In the 1950s, Margaret Smith became quite well known as a performing artist on the theatre stage and very soon established herself as one of Britain’s most talented actors to tread upon the stage. Her work on the stage at London’s National Theatre, particularly working with Laurence Olivier, helped cement her rising reputation. Her first Tony Award was in 1990 for work in Lettice and Lovage, sealing herself as a force on both sides of the Atlantic.
Cinematic work, however, introduced Maggie Smith to the world at large. She won her first Oscar as Best Actress in 1969 for a role that she never forgot, playing a very complex and controversial teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. The next Oscar of hers was as Best Supporting Actress in 1978, playing a comedic role in California Suite. With two Oscars, a number of BAFTAs, and many others, Maggie Smith’s career was marked with an unparalleled ability to flow seamlessly between drama and comedy.
To the younger generation, she would remain best known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. Her stern yet compassionate embodiment throughout the franchise had captured for her a new legion of fans. Just as well-received was her turn as the caustic Dowager Countess of Grantham on the television series Downton Abbey. Smith brought a beautiful execution of snappy one-liners and depth to what seemed to be aloof characters, bringing her multiple awards, including three Emmys.
Through her professional life, Maggie never compromised on issues of privacy and dignity whilst revealing herself through work. Theatre and cinema have lost a very deep sensation with Maggie Smith at the death age of 89. Vast talent and all characters did humanity come along in Maggie Smith’s memory.
