IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A look at Maggie Smith’s acting career
Maggie Smith. Images: AP
The death of Maggie Smith on Friday, Sept. 27, allowed fans of different ages and who come from different parts of the world to celebrate her legacy, as her seven-decade career allowed her to connect with audiences with her captivating performances.
While many remember Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series, she also touched hearts with her performances in the hit period drama “Downton Abbey” and the films “My House in Umbria,” “Sister Act,” and “Hook,” to name a few. Some might also discover Smith’s roots in theater, which started at the Oxford Playhouse when she was just 17 years old.
The nuanced portrayal of Smith in her various roles — whether it’s a serious professor or an eccentric romance novelist — brought her to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, she brought home two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe awards, and four Emmy awards, among many others.
Harry Potter film series (2001 to 2011)
The moment Professor McGonagall raises her voice and says, “Do your duty to our school,” everyone in Hogwarts takes a moment to follow her orders with no questions asked. With her firm demeanor and warm-hearted nature, Smith’s character is considered one of the core educators in Hogwarts, as her expertise in Transfiguration — considered one of the most dangerous forms of magic in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry — influenced its students to discover the basics of changing a person and object’s appearance.
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Among Smith’s most recognized performances by critics was “Othello,” a 1965 film based on the tragedy by William Shakespeare. She starred as Desdemona, a Venetian beauty suspected by her husband Othello of adultery, despite her utmost dedication to him, which ultimately led to her death. While many actresses portray these roles with drama, Smith opted to go for a more subdued approach with dead eyes and numbness.
Downton Abbey (2010 to 2015)
One of Smith’s most beloved roles was Violet Crawley in the hit period drama. Violet is the matriarch of the Crawley Family. Due to her aristocratic roots, she doesn’t have a proper understanding of “normal” life, despite being known for her wit. Contrary to other aristocrats, her lack of knowledge in day-to-day activities — including a weekend — is a comical reminder of economic status.
Hook (1991)
Many would remember Wendy Darling in the “Peter Pan” series as the love interest of the boy from Neverland. But Smith portrays the tragic ending to their budding love story in “Hook,” as she witnesses Peter falling in love with her granddaughter Moira. Even though they didn’t end up together, their story remains an unforgettable one, as Wendy reminded the now-corporate lawyer Peter Banning of his roots.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
The moment Miss Jean Brodie enters the classroom, she automatically stands out as one of the most charismatic yet rebellious teachers of the conservative all-girls school, Marcia Blaine. In the 1930s, she declared that her prime started and that her students must inherit her knowledge of fascism, art, and other “rebellious” topics. But her knowledge and selection of her “crème de la crème” led to the betrayal of her students.
Sister Act (1992)
Smith portrayed St. Katherine’s head nun, Reverend Mother, which takes the lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartie (Whoopi Goldberg) under her wing. While the Reverend is initially unaccepting of Deloris’ out-of-the-box ways, including her knack for changing traditional gospel songs into rock and roll interpretations, she finds herself getting drawn to the budding nun as she eventually accepts her fully.
Travels with my Aunt (1972)
Based on the 1969 novel, the film tells the story of Augusta Bertram (Smith) who tricks London-based bank manager Henry Pulling (Alec McCowen) into thinking that she is his aunt after his mother’s funeral, leading to a trip around Europe. It turns out that Augusta used Henry to smuggle £50,000 and transport it to Turkey for a gangster named Crowder, as well as to finance her lavish lifestyle.
The Secret Garden (1993)
One of Smith’s most unforgettable roles was Mrs. Medlock in “The Secret Garden,” who stands as the head housekeeper of the mysterious Misselthwaite Manor. Despite her firm nature, she becomes increasingly panic-stricken when Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) discovers what lies beneath the manor’s surface as she, too, is unaware of the magic that it holds as well. Despite being strict towards Mary, Colin, and Dickon, she develops love for them and wants nothing but their safety.
