In this post, 34-year-old Jamie Dyer pays tribute to iconic British actress Dame Maggie Smith.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of the British actress Dame Maggie Smith, who died this week at the age of 89. There has been an outpouring of love for the actress on social media, something to be expected for such an icon of British culture.
With a career spanning generations, everyone has a memory of when they first knowingly saw Maggie Smith – whether on stage with the National Theatre or the Royal Shakespeare Company, in dozens of films including Hook, Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, or Gosford Park, and many television guest and starring roles.
Like many of my generation, my first exposure to Maggie’s talent was via the *Harry Potter* movies. In a series that unusually showcased the best of British acting talent, Smith stood out and made the character of Professor McGonagall memorable. It was this performance that acted as a springboard to her other work.
She had a long, distinguished career in theatre, film, and occasional roles on television in both the US and UK. Smith won many awards, including two Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Best Supporting Actress in California Suite. In addition, there were several BAFTA and Tony awards. She was made a Dame, for services to drama, in 1990.
In recent years, I have watched her in a number of roles. I loved the versatility she showed in playing the title character in Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van and the comedic talent demonstrated in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Finally, her performance in the Downton Abbey TV series and subsequent films was a key factor in the franchise’s success in my view.
Among the many tributes, I saw a vintage clip of Maggie guesting on the Carol Burnett Show. She is one of those actresses who became a household name in the States as well as at home, and it was clear to see why from this clip; Clear delivery wrapped in excellent comedic timing and edged with a touch of vulnerability. Wonderful
I didn’t know Maggie Smith personally, but she is one of those names we believe we know; the performer who reached the level of a British institution. Like many of her generation, she continued to work. I will miss seeing her in new performances on screen, but she will continue to be a presence through the discovery of her vast back catalogue.
RIP Maggie Smith.
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