15 Things You Need to Know About Dame Maggie Smith

Here are 15 interesting things to know about Dame Maggie Smith, one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses:

1. Early Life: Born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, England, Margaret Natalie Smith was raised in Oxford. Her father, a Scottish pathologist, and her mother, an English secretary, provided her with a background that would later influence her roles.
2. Stage Debut: Maggie Smith made her stage debut at the Oxford Playhouse in 1952, performing in Terence Rattigan’s play, “The Browning Version.”
3. Royal Shakespeare Company: She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1960, where she met her first husband, actor Robert Stephens.
4. Olivier Award: Smith won an Olivier Award for her role in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Her stage performances have often been praised for their wit and depth.
5. Film Career: Smith’s film career took off with roles in “The V.I.P.s” (1963) and “Othello” (1965), which earned her an Academy Award nomination.
6. Academy Awards: She has won two Oscars: Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” (1978).
7. Harry Potter Series: She gained a whole new generation of fans as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series, starting with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in 2001.
8. Damehood: In 1990, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to drama.
9. Television Success: Smith won four Primetime Emmy Awards for her role as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” showcasing her ability to captivate audiences on television.
10. Voice Work: She lent her voice to films like “The Last Septuagint” and the animated film “Arthur Christmas,” showing her versatility as an actress.
11. Marriage and Family: She married playwright Beverley Cross in 1975, after divorcing Robert Stephens in 1974. She has two children from her first marriage, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
12. Humor and Wit: Known for her sharp wit, Smith often delivers lines with impeccable timing, which has become one of her trademarks.
13. Retirement Speculations: Despite occasional comments about retiring, Smith has continued to work, suggesting a love for her craft that surpasses conventional retirement.
14. Fashion Icon: Often seen in elegant, classic styles, Maggie Smith has become somewhat of a fashion icon, especially in her later years with her trademark glasses and chic ensembles.
15. Legacy: Beyond her acting, Maggie Smith has become an institution in British culture, admired for her talent, her memorable characters, and her contributions to the arts. Her longevity and versatility in the industry continue to inspire many.

Dame Maggie Smith’s career spans over six decades, making her one of the most enduring figures in modern British theatre and cinema. Her work continues to be celebrated for its depth, complexity, and the sheer joy she brings to her roles.