Dame Maggie Smith who will always be remembered for her terrific roles ever in ‘Downton Abbey’ series and that fable Harry Potter Blockbuster movies has died at the age of89. The legendary actress fight her long battle with breast cancer on a hospital bed in the early hours of Friday and even at that time, all her fans and most of her actors around the world have been affected by the loss of the star, one of the several that Great Britain has known.
Who Was Maggie Smith?
Maggie Smith was born Margaret Natalie Smith on 28th December 1934 in Ilford Essex and was a colossal actress, a Critically Acclaimed actress for the last 60 years. Known for her cutting humour, strong on-screen presence, and versatility, Smith became one of the most recognised actresses worldwide. She appeared both in comedies as well as in serious dramas during her active years, which made her one of the most well-rounded actresses of her age.
Maggie’s skills have been awarded with various well-deserved honours including 2 Oscars, 5 BAFTAs as well as a few Golden Globe awards. Every performance from playing a theatre dame in one of the West End theatres to the more iconic turn as a wand-waving Professor Minerva McGonagall from the Harry Potter franchise, Smith was appreciated in a great range of age and fans.
Professor McGonagall Maggie Smith’s Iconic Roles in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter
When it comes to Smith’s later projects, one of her most appreciated roles was that of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey. This flow of elegant sarcasm turned this aristocratic grandmother into a beloved character, and of course, thanks to Smith’s delivery of all them with perfect timing and class. The comedian’s interpretation of the Dowager Countess was humorous and creative, yet she was a quintessential piece of a historically-imprinted drama, which the series telecast on mass and achieved great heights. The audiences were not only amazed in the first and second but in the sixth season of the series and the motion pictures produced after that.
Although for most of them, if not all, the image of Maggie Smith is forever tied with the portrayal of Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. She was the formidable yet gentle head of Gryffindor house, a character as wise and loving as the creation of J.K. Rowling. Her performance was lauded for the respect it bore to the books, and more so, the fact that Maggie Smith featured in all the eight installations interlocked the cast leaving no gap for incompleteness of the Harry Potter film series which is widely and popularly known across the world.
Maggie smith cause of death
As per the media reports, Maggie Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer which eventually resulted in her death. In her last years, even though she was ill, she abided inconspicuously, paying more attention to health and family. Off screen, she was as brave as many would see her on screen, even with being subjected to several treatment procedures.
Breast cancer is a disease that ranks high among many women’s health issues. Most cases are treatable and patients’ odds of survival are on the rise due to the developments of science. Still, it is one of those illnesses that would be really difficult to fight, more so for a person like Smith who is already advanced in age. He had, however, retreated from the limelight these past couple of years before her death. However, her death is felt more in the film industry, which will still draw from her work for several generations to come.
The family of Smith, says they appreciate all the love and support from the fans as well as their colleagues but have asked for privacy at this moment.
A Career That Shaped the World of Acting
Whether in her earliest treatment dated back to the 1960s or latest performances, Maggie Smith has stamped her fingerprints on the stage as well as the screen. Her adaptability made it easy for her to work in different fields, even within the same performing artist; she could do Shakespearean plays and even film acting. She has had such notable roles as:
– The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969): In this film, an eccentric teacher of an all-girls school in Edinburgh Smith captures this first role and wins an Academy Award for Best Actress.
– A Room with a View (1985): Set in the period that the drama depicts, this film focuses on the character Charlotte Bartlett as portrayed by Smith who won an Oscar for playing the part – her second for this film.
– The Secret Garden (1993): In this film adaptation based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s book, Smith played the role of the firm but kindness embodies ‘Mrs Medlock’.
– Gosford Park (2001): In this Robert Altman’s ensemble film, this time it was the comedic aspect of the character that showed the audience Smith’s talent, who once again received good reviews.
Equally as good were her activities in theater for which she has held a good number of Olivier Awards. Wherever it was Broadway or West End or Hollywood, Smith had no limits and she put in every single performance how much of a craftsman she was.
Remembering Maggie Smith’s Legacy
Maggie Smith has passed away, and for those who have closely monitored her remarkable career, this is the sad end of the period. Her love for acting coupled with the ability to make even the least of the roles commendable made her a different person in an industry where many years is a great achievement. Smith has devoted herself to the art of performance all her life, and for this reason history will bear witness that she has been one of the greatest actresses in the world.
What sets Maggie Smith apart, in addition to her numerous awards and accolades, is that she appealed. While it would be easy to imagine the dignified senior in Downton Abbey, the stern Professor McGonagall, or the complicated Jean Brody, Smith humanized every character she played. It is also this regard she had for her fans, and how real, alive her characters were, that will guarantee that her name will not fade away for ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maggie Smith
Ques: How did Maggie Smith pass away?
Ans: Maggie Smith died of illness caused by breast cancer; she was admitted in the hospital at 89 when she breathed her last on a Friday.
Ques: What was Maggie Smith best known for?
Ans: Most people remember Maggie Smith as the role of the Dowager Countess of Grantham in the TV series Downton Abbey as well as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies.
Ques: How old was Maggie Smith when she died?
Ans: When Maggie Smith passed away she was aged 89 years.
Ques: When did Maggie Smith die?
Ans: Maggie Smith passed away at some point after Friday morning in a hospital, where she died of breast cancer.
Ques: What awards did Maggie Smith win during her career?
Ans: There were many awards including two Academy Awards and five BAFTA in her active career such as three Golden Globe and four Primetime Emmy Awards.
Ques: What was Maggie Smith’s cause of death?
Ans: It was due to breast cancer which Maggie Smith had suffered from for many years that contributed to her death.
If it is heartbreaking to communicate the news about Maggie Smith’s passing for the industry, one is encouraged to remember the fact that the native and foreign film and television industries as well as theater will continue to be active thanks to her efforts. Many iconic characters and persistence in working gave her the title of an outstanding actress of all times, and I have no doubts that she will retain this title forever.
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