Dame Maggie Smith, an illustrious figure celebrated for her roles in the Harry Potter franchise and Downton Abbey, has been fondly remembered as “a true legend” of the acting world following her passing at the age of 89.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in from King Charles, the Prime Minister, and numerous co-stars who shared in her extensive and distinguished career. King Charles lauded her as “a national treasure,” while Sir Keir Starmer remarked on her being “beloved by so many for her immense talent.”
Daniel Radcliffe, who starred alongside her in the Harry Potter series, reminisced about her “fierce intellect” and “gloriously sharp tongue.” Miriam Margolyes described her as “the best of the best,” highlighting her blend of “ferocity, a glint of mischief, delight, and tenderness.” Margolyes shared with BBC News, “I’ve been in awe of her, as all her colleagues are. I witnessed both her kindness and her capacity to be absolutely terrifying.”
Dame Maggie Smith was renowned for her cutting wit both on and off the screen throughout her remarkable career, which spanned nearly eight decades. In the Harry Potter films, she brought to life the acerbic Professor Minerva McGonagall, a character celebrated for her distinctive pointed witch’s hat and stern demeanor with the young wizards at Hogwarts.
Reflecting on their time together, Radcliffe expressed, “She possessed a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, and could intimidate and charm simultaneously. She was, as everyone will attest, exceptionally funny. I will always consider myself incredibly fortunate to have worked with her and to have spent time in her presence.” He added, “The term ‘legend’ is often overused, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, it certainly applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.”
Emma Watson noted that she only realized in her adult years that young Hermione was sharing the screen “with a true definition of greatness.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, she celebrated Smith’s authenticity, humor, and unwavering self-respect. “Maggie, there were many male professors, yet you held your own.”
In the beloved ITV series Downton Abbey, she portrayed Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, a character renowned for her scathing one-liners throughout the six series of the show. Dame Maggie garnered significant accolades during her career, winning two Oscars—one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and another for California Suite in 1979—along with four additional nominations and seven BAFTA awards.
The King and Queen issued a statement reflecting on her legacy: “As the curtain falls on a national treasure, we join countless individuals worldwide in celebrating with the deepest admiration and affection her remarkable performances, as well as the warmth and wit that radiated both on and off the stage.” The Prime Minister concurred, declaring Dame Maggie “a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come,” emphasizing her ability to transport audiences to new realms through her countless portrayals.
Hugh Bonneville, who played the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey, remarked, “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will vouch for her keen insight, sharp wit, and extraordinary talent. She was truly a legend of her generation, and her magnificent screen performances will endure.”
Dame Maggie reprised her role in both Downton Abbey films, with her character passing away in the 2022 film Downton Abbey: A New Era, following her illness revealed at the conclusion of the 2019 film. Co-star Dame Harriet Walter shared with BBC Radio 4 that Smith excelled in both comedic and dramatic roles. “She was a true comedian, yet she could also portray deeply poignant, sorrowful characters, showcasing the vast range of an actress of her caliber. Had she only been humorous or tragic, she might not have left such a profound impact.”
Michelle Dockery, who portrayed Dame Maggie’s on-screen granddaughter Lady Mary Crawley, expressed her gratitude for knowing such an extraordinary talent. “There was no one quite like Maggie. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known such a maverick. She will be sorely missed, and my thoughts are with her family.” Lesley Nicol, who played Mrs. Patmore in Downton Abbey, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s a very close-knit group, so we are all devastated by her absence.”
Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of Downton Abbey, described her as “a joy to write for—subtle, multi-layered, intelligent, humorous, and heart-wrenching.” The series followed the success of the 2002 period drama Gosford Park, which earned Dame Maggie both Oscar and BAFTA nominations for her portrayal of the Dowager Countess of Trentham.
Having begun her illustrious career in the 1950s, Dame Maggie received her first Oscar nomination for her role as Desdemona opposite Laurence Olivier in Shakespeare’s Othello in 1965. Among her other memorable performances were the 1985 Merchant Ivory film A Room With a View, which garnered her another Oscar nomination and a BAFTA, and her role as a firm yet fair Reverend Mother in the Sister Act films.
Co-star Whoopi Goldberg remarked, “Dame Maggie was a remarkable woman and a brilliant actress. I still can’t believe I was fortunate enough to work with a ‘one-of-a-kind’ talent.” Rob Lowe, who starred alongside her in Suddenly, Last Summer in 1993, reminisced about “the unforgettable experience of working with her.” He said, “Sharing a scene with her felt like being paired with a lion. She could consume anyone alive—and often did. Yet, she was incredibly funny and great company, showing no tolerance for fools. We shall never witness another like her. Godspeed, Ms. Smith!”
Dame Maggie also portrayed the elderly woman who spent 15 years living in a van outside Alan Bennett’s home in the film adaptation of The Lady in the Van in 2015. Alex Jennings, who played Bennett, praised her as “fearless,” commending her “brilliant technical abilities as an actress.”