Dame Maggie Smith sadly passed away on September 27 2024, and she has left us with a wealth of memorable performances from her award-winning stage and screen career spanning six decades. Here’s a round-up of the best Dame Maggie Smith movies and TV shows that showcase her remarkable range and talent. Whether you’re new to Dame Maggie Smith’s work or revisiting her classics, these films and shows are the perfect way to celebrate her extraordinary legacy.
Sister Act (1992)
Mother Superior
In this light-hearted comedy, Smith plays the stern Mother Superior, who must deal with a nightclub singer hiding out in her convent. Her deadpan humour perfectly complements Whoopi Goldberg’s energetic performance, making this a beloved classic.
Quartet (2012)
Jean Horton
Directed by Dustin Hoffman, this film about retired musicians reuniting for a final concert at their care home features Smith as Jean Horton, a former opera star with a prickly personality. Her performance is both humorous and moving, and the film showcases her ability to bring warmth to even the most difficult characters
The Lady in the Van (2015)
Miss Shepherd
In this quirky, true-life drama, Smith shines as Miss Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman who parks her van in a writer’s driveway and stays for 15 years. Her performance is a blend of comedy and poignancy that earned her widespread acclaim.
A Room with a View (1985)
Charlotte Bartlett
Smith plays the overbearing yet well-meaning Charlotte Bartlett in this Merchant Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel. Her portrayal of a proper yet meddling chaperone earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Gosford Park (2001)
Constance, Countess of Trentham
Directed by Robert Altman, this star-studded period drama earned Smith an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. As Constance, Countess of Trentham, she displayed her incredible ability to balance comedy and drama in this critically acclaimed film.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) & The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)
Muriel Donnelly
In this heartwarming comedy, Smith plays Muriel Donnelly, a cantankerous retired housekeeper who travels to India for a cheaper retirement. Her transformation from a cynical outsider to a woman finding her place is both touching and hilarious
Downton Abbey (2010–2015, 2019, 2022)
Dowager Countess Violet Crawley
Smith’s portrayal of the sharp-tongued and fiercely witty Dowager Countess, Violet Crawley, is one of her most iconic roles. With her biting one-liners and brilliant comedic timing, Downton Abbey is a must-watch for fans of her work.
Harry Potter Series (2001–2011)
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Smith played the beloved Professor Minerva McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. Her performance as the stern yet compassionate teacher endeared her to a whole new generation of fans, making this role one of her most recognisable.
California Suite (1978)
Diana Barrie
Smith earned her second Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in this Neil Simon comedy, playing an insecure actress attending the Academy Awards. Her performance, alongside Michael Caine, showcased her impeccable comic timing and emotional depth.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
Miss Jean Brodie
This performance earned Smith her first Academy Award for Best Actress. As the unconventional and free-spirited schoolteacher Miss Jean Brodie, she dazzled audiences with her powerful and nuanced portrayal of a woman influencing her students in 1930s Edinburgh.
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