Dame Maggie Smith, orig. Margaret Natalie Smith, (born Dec. 28, 1934, Ilford, Essex, Eng.—died Sept. 27, 2024, London), British actress. She first gained recognition on Broadway in New Faces of 1956, and, after winning praise for her roles in The Rehearsal (1961) and Mary, Mary (1963), she joined Britain’s National Theatre Company, where she starred opposite Laurence Olivier in Othello (1964; film, 1965). Her later films include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969, Academy Award), Travels with My Aunt (1972), California Suite (1978, Academy Award), The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987), and the Harry Potter series (2001–11). She won three Emmys (2011, 2012, and 2016) for her work in the period television series Downton Abbey (2010–15). Known for her nervous intensity, acid wit, and flawless timing, she has many great stage performances to her credit, notably in The Way of the World (1985) and Lettice and Lovage (1990, Tony Award).
Discover
