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It is a painful moment for worldwide cinema fans as Dame Maggie Smith passed away at 89. The British theater and film legend had a celebrated career decorated with 2 Oscars and many other popular accolades. While most fans would know her as Professor Minerva McGonagall in theHarry Potterfranchise, she gave a more memorable performance in theDowntown Abbeytelevision series.
The late Maggie Smith made her foray into acting very early in 1956. Her expertise in the craft made her one of the most renowned British names. She also won 2 Oscars for Best Actress inThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodieand Best Supporting Actress inCalifornia Suite. However, none of her works went as underappreciated as her role as Violet Crawley inDowntown Abbey.
The late Maggie Smith’s work inDowntown Abbeywill be remembered for ages
When the firstHarry Potterfilm was released in 2001, fans were baffled to seeMaggie Smith‘s portrayal of the Hogwarts Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall. She looked straight out of the J.K. Rowling novels and became insanely famous in modern pop culture.
Fast forward to 2010, Maggie Smith raised headlines again for her performance as Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the ITV seriesDowntown Abbey. Her work as a witty and influential matriarch was brilliant and brought her to the attention of a new audience.
“I’m kinda scared of her, actually”: ‘Fierce’ Maggie Smith’s Alarming Reputation Left One Harry Potter Star Running for Cover During Filming
Although not many fans talk about Violet Crawley as much as Professor McGonagall, theDowntown Abbeycharacter left a lasting impact. The character delivered some of the most iconic dialogues in television like “What is a weekend?“, “I never argue, I explain“, and “Don’t be defeatist, dear, it’s very middle class“.
The late Dame Smith perfectly channeled the energy that was desired to present Violet Crawley as the most influential and strongest lady despite her age. Smith’s talent made her the most fan-favorite character inDowntown Abbeyand her witty lines are still quoted across the internet.
“It wasn’t what you’d call satisfying”: Despite Earning Millions, Maggie Smith Doesn’t Consider Harry Potter Movies as Acting
Downtown Abbey‘s creator and writer Julian Fellowes said onNPR’sFresh Airthat theHookactress skillfully added numerous aspects to Crawley’s character. According to him, any other actress would have badly failed to bring out the “kind and cruel” sides simultaneously on-screen.
After the series concluded with 52 seasons, Maggie Smith also reprised her roles in the twoDowntown Abbeyfilms. 2022’sDownton Abbey: A New Eragave a beautiful sendoff to Violet Crawley’s character. Although the makers are set to release an untitled thirdDowntown Abbeyfilm in 2025, fans strongly believe that theDowntownworld will not be the same without the Dowager.
Maggie Smith claimed that her iconic roles were not very satisfying
Even after the worldwide popularity ofHarry PotterandDowntown Abbey, surprisingly, the late Maggie Smith did not feel them to be very satisfying. Despite providing fan-favorite performances, Smith asserted that she did not feel she was acting inHarry PotterorDowntown Abbey.
“I did a thing before ‘Potter'”: Daniel Radcliffe’s First Project With Maggie Smith Surprisingly isn’t Harry Potter
According to an interview with U.K.’sESMagazine(viaThe Guardian) in 2019, Maggie Smith said:
I am deeply grateful for the work inPotterand indeedDownton, but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel I was acting in those things.
While the 5 times BAFTA winner became a role model for her longevity in the industry, her honest thoughts on her roles also dictated her dedication to the craft.BBCreported that the actress passed away peacefully on the morning of September 27. She left behind her two sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin along with five grandchildren.
Rest in Peace Maggie Smith. You will always be missed.
Downtown Abbeycan be streamed on Peacock.
Subham Mandal
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1461
Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.
