Maggie Smith on the Life-Altering Effects of Her Role in ‘Downton Abbey’

The esteemed British actress Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her memorable performances in the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey, passed away on September 27 at the age of 89.

Beginning her illustrious career at the age of 17 at the Oxford Playhouse, Smith’s journey through entertainment was marked by remarkable achievements.

She garnered a plethora of accolades, including two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five BAFTAs. In recognition of her huge contributions to acting, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon her the title of “Dame” in 1990.

In an industry notorious for limiting opportunities for older actresses, Smith’s career showcased impressive longevity. After making her mark as a stage actress in the UK, she successfully ventured into Hollywood, winning Oscars for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. Additionally, she received four more Academy Award nominations from 1966 to 2002.

However, it was her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise that catapulted her to true superstardom.

At 67, she starred in the first film, released in 2001, and continued to appear in seven of the eight films, which introduced her to a global audience. This iconic role transformed her into a celebrated figure among fans of all ages.

Following her success in Harry Potter, Smith gained further acclaim as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, which aired from 2010 to 2015.

The character, known for her sharp wit and memorable expressions, quickly became a fan favorite and a cultural icon, leading to her emergence in meme culture during her later years.

Smith’s portrayal of Violet resonated beyond the television screen, inspiring countless memes that humorously captured her character’s aim, such as, “Young man, I have no desire to ‘Netflix and chill.’”

She also reprised her role in the Downton Abbey films, including Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022), which concluded with the poignant death of her character.

Reflecting on her career, Smith noted that Downton Abbey drastically changed her public profile. In a 2017 interview, she shared, “I led a perfectly normal life until Downton Abbey. Nobody knew who I was before.” While the newfound fame was both exciting and strange, she expressed that it could also feel overwhelming at times.

The unexpected success of Downton Abbey contrasted with the anticipated triumph of Harry Potter, surprising everyone involved.

Smith attributed the popularity of her character to the writing of show creator Julian Fellowes, noting that Violet’s wisdom and experience endeared her to viewers.

Smith also discussed her career longevity, emphasizing that her focus on character acting allowed for a smooth transition into older roles.

She humorously remarked that while beauty can be fleeting, character acting provides a pathway to evolve as an actress throughout the years.

On September 27, Smith’s passing was confirmed by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, through a statement released by publicist Clair Dobbs.

They expressed profound sadness at the loss, revealing that she had peacefully passed away in the hospital, surrounded by loved ones. Her sons and five grandchildren mourned the passing of their remarkable mother and grandmother.

The family also extended their gratitude to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassionate care during her final days. In the repercussion of the announcement, Smith’s Downton Abbey co-stars shared heartfelt tributes.

Hugh Bonneville, who played her on-screen son, hailed her as “a true legend of her generation,” while Michelle Dockery, who portrayed her granddaughter, remembered her as an extraordinary talent whose presence will be deeply missed.