Maggie Smith, Icon of Stage and Screen, Dies at 89

Dame Maggie Smith, one of the most distinguished actresses of her generation, has died at the age of 89. With a career that stretched over 60 years, Smith earned worldwide acclaim for her performances in everything from Shakespearean drama to blockbuster films. Her death marks the end of an era in British acting, leaving behind a legacy that few can match.

Smith was born Margaret Natalie Smith in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934. Raised in Oxford, where her father worked as a laboratory technician, she displayed an early talent for acting. After training at the Oxford Playhouse, she quickly made a name for herself, working with some of the most celebrated directors and actors of the day, including Laurence Olivier and Peter Hall.

Smith's early career saw her shine on both the stage and screen, with standout performances in plays such as The Recruiting Officer and Hay Fever. However, it was her portrayal of the fiery schoolteacher Miss Jean Brodie in the 1969 film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie that catapulted her to international fame and earned her the first of two Academy Awards. Her delivery of the film’s iconic line, “Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she is mine for life,” showcased her talent for blending humor with underlying tension, a hallmark of her career.

As her fame grew, Smith continued to captivate audiences with her versatility, taking on roles in both classic and contemporary works. Her talent for comedy shone through in Neil Simon’s California Suite (1978), for which she won her second Oscar, and her roles in television included Bennett’s Talking Heads series, where her performance in Bed Among the Lentils was particularly lauded.

Yet, it was late in her career that Smith found herself beloved by a new generation of fans. In 2001, she took on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, portraying the stern yet compassionate teacher with an edge of humor that endeared her to millions. Simultaneously, she brought her sharp wit to the role of the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, delivering biting one-liners with impeccable timing and depth, from 2010 to 2015.

Smith’s vast body of work extended far beyond these fan-favorite roles. She was a veteran of the British stage, having worked with the National Theatre from its early days, and excelled in Restoration comedies, Shakespearean tragedies, and contemporary dramas. Her portrayal of Rosalind in As You Like It in 1977, directed by Robin Phillips, was considered a definitive performance, as was her role as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. The critics admired her for a blend of intuition and preparation, a rare gift that set her apart from her peers.

Despite her status as a global star, Smith largely avoided the trappings of celebrity. She seldom appeared on television talk shows and rarely gave interviews, maintaining a private life away from the public eye. In a rare 2015 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Smith displayed her typical wit and modesty, emphasizing that despite the fame, she still considered herself simply a working actor.

Her personal life, though more guarded, was punctuated by significant relationships. After a tumultuous marriage to fellow actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons, she later found a more stable partnership with playwright Beverley Cross. Smith continued to work both on screen and stage after his death in 1998, bringing new vitality to her later roles, including her unforgettable performance in The Lady in the Van (2015).

Maggie Smith’s contribution to the arts was recognized with numerous honors. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1990 and became a Companion of Honour in 2014, one of the highest accolades in the UK. Her passing leaves a void in the world of acting, and tributes have poured in from across the industry, praising her extraordinary talent and remarkable career.

Smith is survived by her two sons, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, and five grandchildren. As her longtime friend and colleague Judi Dench remarked in a previous interview, Maggie Smith was “a star in the truest sense,” whose artistry will be remembered for generations to come.

Her final film role was in The Miracle Club (2023), marking the end of an extraordinary career.

Dame Maggie Smith, born December 28, 1934, died September 27, 2024.