From Professor McGonagall to Violet Crawley, Maggie Smith’s most iconic roles

Smith, the legendary actress who won hearts across generations, passed away today at the age of 89 in a London hospital

Kolkata, September 27, dmanewsdesk: Maggie Smith, the legendary actress who won hearts across generations, has passed away at the age of 89 in a London hospital. With a career spanning over six decades, she left an indelible mark on the world of theatre, television, and film. From her Oscar-winning role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to her unforgettable portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, Smith’s characters have become cinematic treasures. As we bid farewell to this iconic figure, we look back at some of the most memorable roles that defined her extraordinary career.

Harry Potter series

In the 21st century, a new generation came to know Maggie Smith through her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series. Appearing in seven of the films, Smith’s McGonagall, the strict yet kind-hearted head of Gryffindor House, became a fan favourite. With a delicate balance of firmness and warmth, Smith’s portrayal gave life to a character who not only nurtured her students but also stood as a formidable figure in the battle against dark forces. Her steely gaze, coupled with the occasional smirk, solidified McGonagall as one of the franchise’s most unforgettable characters.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

In 1969, Smith gave one of the most definitive performances of her career as Jean Brodie, a progressive schoolteacher with a deep admiration for Fascist ideals. This role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie showcased her exceptional ability to command the screen, portraying Brodie as both charismatic and controversial. Smith’s portrayal of the headstrong educator won her the Academy Award for Best Actress and the British Academy Award (BAFTA), making her a household name. Jean Brodie’s fierce declaration—“Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she is mine for life”—remains as iconic as Smith’s enduring career.

Downton Abbey

Smith’s sharp wit and impeccable timing were on full display in her portrayal of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the hit series Downton Abbey. Known for her biting remarks and refusal to adjust to modernity, the Countess became the show’s one of the most popular character. Smith’s role as the aristocratic matriarch earned her three Emmy Awards. The character’s pointed critiques, delivered with unparalleled finesse, kept audiences laughing and gasping in equal measure. For many, Violet Crawley was the heart of Downton Abbey, a character made unforgettable by Smith’s masterful performance.

A Room With A View

Smith was at her scene-stealing best in A Room With A View, where she played the tightly wound Charlotte Bartlett, a repressed chaperone. The film, set against the backdrop of Italy, saw Smith’s character navigate between the stiff social conventions of the time and the simmering passions beneath the surface. Her portrayal won her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, proving that even in a supporting role, Maggie Smith could command attention like no other.

California Suite

In a curious twist of fate, Smith won her second Oscar for her role in California Suite, where she played Diana Barrie, an actress who attends the Academy Awards only to lose the coveted prize. Smith’s portrayal of Diana, a woman grappling with the complexities of her career and marriage. Her on-screen chemistry with Michael Caine, who played her closeted husband, further elevated the film. With California Suite, Smith became the only actor in history to win an Oscar for portraying a character who didn’t win one—a fitting testament to her exceptional versatility.

Source: The Telegraph online