Remembering Dame Maggie Smith
Tell Me Something Now
Shownotes Transcript
Maggie Smith's Career:
Dame Margaret Natalie Smith (1934-2024) was a prolific and celebrated British actress whose career spanned over seven decades. From her early days at the Oxford Playhouse and the Royal National Theatre to her later film and television roles, she captivated audiences with her wit and talent.
Early Career & The National Theatre:
Began her career at the Oxford Playhouse in 1952 at the age of 17, playing Viola in "Twelfth Night."
Joined Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company in 1962, becoming a key figure alongside actors like Derek Jacobi and Michael Gambon.
Had a complex relationship with Olivier, described as "professional rivals," with Olivier recognizing her talent early on.
Film Career & Awards:
Transitioned to film in the 1950s and won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1969 for "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie."
Won her second Oscar in 1978 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "California Suite" playing a fictional Oscar loser – the only actor to do so to date.
Gained international fame in the 2000s for her role as Professor McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" film series and Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in "Downton Abbey."
Garnered numerous awards and accolades including BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. She was also appointed CBE in 1970 and made a Dame in 1990 for her contributions to the performing arts.
Notable Roles & Performances:
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969): This iconic role cemented Smith's status as a powerful dramatic actress, showcasing her ability to embody complex characters.
A Room with a View (1985): Smith's performance as Charlotte Bartlett in this Merchant Ivory production earned her critical acclaim and showcased her comedic timing and ability to embody the nuances of period characters.
Hedda Gabler (directed by Ingmar Bergman): Smith's portrayal in this Ibsen classic revealed her skill in portraying "lethally cold" and detached characters.
Gosford Park (2001): This Robert Altman film provided Smith with a chance to reunite with actors like Michael Gambon and showcase her mastery of the ensemble cast setting.
Downton Abbey (2010-2015): As Violet Crawley, Smith delivered some of her most memorable lines and moments, her dry wit and impeccable comedic timing resonating with audiences worldwide. "What is a 'week- end' ?" she famously quipped in one episode.
Public Persona and Personality:
Known for her sharp wit and occasional "spiky" personality, Smith was a highly private person despite her fame.
She admitted to nervousness before each take, which fueled her dedication to precise delivery.
Famously, she never watched herself onscreen, including her award-winning performance in "Downton Abbey."
Despite her aversion to being the centre of attention, she possessed a down-to-earth quality and wicked sense of humour, once admitting to an interviewer that "fuck" is a word that "frequently sprung to mind."
Legacy:
Dame Maggie Smith was a true icon of stage and screen, her career a testament to her versatility and talent. She could embody the hilarious and the heartbreaking with equal skill.
As Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian wrote about Smith in 2018, "Nothing is more typical of Maggie Smith than the way she decided to pack her bags and head for Stratford, Ontario where she essayed some of the greatest roles in the dramatic canon…" Her dedication to her craft, combined with her undeniable charisma, solidified her place as a legend whose work will continue to resonate for generations to come.