Dame Maggie Smith Leaves Behind a Legacy of Brilliance
It is sad to report the news of the passing of one of the most accomplished and beloved actresses of her generation, Maggie Smith, whose work left an imprint on those who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Maggie Smith has passed away at age 89 and leaves behind some of the best film performances that have ever graced the silver screen. The Downton Abbey actress was a class act through and through and was one of the most elegant screen presences in cinematic (and television) history. Daniel Radcliffe and Whoopi Goldberg were among those who spoke out about the passing of one of the greatest actresses of all-time.
Smith was nominated for several Academy Awards, most recently for her work in two masterpieces: 1985’s A Room with a View and 2001’s Gosford Park. Two of her other nods resulted in wins in the 1970’s for the incomparable actress. Smith took home Oscars for her work in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Best Actress) and California Suite (Best Supporting Actress).
When Smith appeared as Mother Superior with Whoopi Goldberg in the comedy from 1992, Sister Act, Smith brought her magic to the screen in a Hollywood blockbuster which was simply hysterical to watch for fans of both Goldberg and Smith. Goldberg just recently stated that Smith was “a great woman and a brilliant actress.” Truer words have never been spoken.
While Smith’s presence in the Harry Potter franchise films had yielded her much exposure, her parts in those films showed her acting abilities reached far beyond art house and period films. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Potter, met Smith when he was just 9-years-old and saw she was down to earth when Radcliffe asked if he should call her Dame and she replied something along the lines of, “Don’t be ridiculous!” It becomes clear that Smith didn’t let her brilliance get in the way of doing work that was both diverse and challenging for the acclaimed actress.
Just recently in Sony Pictures Classics’ under-seen 2023 little gem, The Miracle Club, Smith appeared with the wonderful Laura Linney and Kathy Bates who are also two incredible actresses. The combined efforts of these stars were appreciated but Smith added a certain sophistication to the project which greatly enhanced its appeal. Of course, Smith was also a staple in the Downton Abbey saga as well, both on the big screen and the small one.
Words cannot express the genuine and wonderful charisma and amazing acting abilities of Dame Maggie Smith whose name will always go down in history as one associated with quality motion picture performances. She was truly one of the greats and her work will certainly live on forever.
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