Maggie Smith, one of the most distinguished and cherished actors to grace both stage and screen, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Known for her versatility, razor-sharp wit, and unmatched ability to captivate audiences, Smith’s career spanned several decades, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase across different generations. Her sons, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her death in a statement, revealing that she died in a London hospital surrounded by loved ones. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” the family shared, expressing their grief and honoring her memory through publicist Clair Dobbs.
Maggie Smith rose to stardom on the silver screen with her Oscar-winning performance in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969, where she delivered a masterful portrayal of a charismatic and complex schoolteacher. Her career was marked by a string of accolades, reflecting her position as one of Britain’s foremost acting talents alongside contemporaries such as Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. Despite the changing tides of the film and theatre industries, Smith remained a beloved fixture, continuously in demand well into her later years. She often humorously lamented the limited roles for older women, referring to them as the “granny era,” yet she embraced these opportunities with her signature style and grace.
Maggie’s self-effacing humor was as sharp as her acting skills. She memorably described her later film roles, including that of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, as “a gallery of grotesques” and once quipped that “Harry Potter is my pension.” Renowned director Richard Eyre, who worked with Smith on the television adaptation of “Suddenly Last Summer,” lauded her intellect, saying, “You have to get up very, very early in the morning to outwit Maggie Smith.” Her cunning wit and intelligence became as much a part of her persona as her characters.
Smith’s career was punctuated by a slew of prestigious awards. She won another Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “California Suite” in 1978 and accumulated several Golden Globes and BAFTA awards for her performances in various films and theatre productions. Her stage presence was equally formidable, earning her a Tony Award in 1990 for her role in “Lettice and Lovage.
.” In television, her portrayal of the dowager Countess of Grantham in the globally beloved series “Downton Abbey” earned her further accolades, including Golden Globe nominations.
Known for her commanding presence, Maggie Smith had a reputation for being both formidable and challenging, often delighting in stealing scenes with her compelling performances. Richard Burton once remarked on her “grand larceny” in taking over scenes in “The VIPs.” While some may have found her challenging, directors like Peter Hall appreciated her commitment, noting she was only difficult “unless she’s among idiots.” Maggie herself recognized and embraced her impatience, notably stating, “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me, so I am spiky.”
Maggie’s enduring appeal lay not only in her skill but also in her humility and dedication to her craft. Critics like Frank Rich extolled her ability to elevate the most mundane lines into poetic expressions, and she was celebrated for possessing the rare gift of making audiences laugh with the simplest dialogue. “This haddock is disgusting,” became one such iconic line, humorously reflecting how unexpected moments became legendary thanks to Smith’s genius.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, near London, Maggie realized her calling early in life, pursuing her passion for acting through theatre studies in Oxford. As part of the illustrious National Theatre company, Maggie honed her craft, leaving an indelible mark on the stage and gaining the admiration of fellow actors like Laurence Olivier, who recognized her talent early on.
Throughout her illustrious career, Maggie faced the pressures of celebrity while retaining an intensely private life. Those who worked alongside her often remarked on her aversion to flattery and her deep focus on the craft of acting rather than the surrounding fanfare. As the world mourns her passing, Maggie Smith is remembered as a towering talent whose contributions to cinema and theatre remain unparalleled. Her legacy endures, her performances continue to inspire, and her absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of entertainment.
