Tributes to ‘true legend’ Dame Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith, the renowned icon for series Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has been remembered as “a true legend” after her death at 89.

The King, the Prime Minister, and many of her co-stars on stage with performances spanning multiple decades have flooded social media with tributes.

According to King Charles, Maggie Smith was a “national treasure,” and Sir Keir Starmer termed her “cherished by many for her incredible ability.”

Daniel Radcliffe, a fellow Harry Potter actor, reminisced about her “fierce intellect” and “gloriously sharp tongue.”

Miriam Margolyes described her as “the best of the best,” highlighting her unique blend of “ferocity, a hint of mischief, joy, and tenderness.”

“She possessed immense courage. I, along with all her colleagues, have always admired her,” Margolyes remarked to the diplomat News.

Maggie Smith, known for her sharp wit, enjoyed a remarkable eight-decade career in film, television, and theater.

Maggie Smith brilliantly portrayed the strict and formidable Professor McGonagall in the *Harry Potter* series with remarkable flair.

Radcliffe praised Maggie Smith’s “fierce intellect,” sharp wit, and ability to both intimidate and charm, calling her “fantastically funny.”

People celebrated Dame Maggie for her incisive wit in performances and personal interactions throughout her distinguished eight-decade career.

In *Harry Potter*, Maggie Smith portrayed the influential Professor McGonagall, known for her tall hat and authoritative demeanor at Hogwarts.

Radcliffe honored Maggie Smith, noting her fierce intellect, sharp tongue, ability to charm, and universal reputation for being funny.

I feel fortunate to have worked alongside her and shared such memorable experiences during our time together on location.

I don’t like the term “legend,” and I hate seeing it used. If it applies to anyone in this business, though, it’s to her. Thank you, Maggie.

Emma Watson realized in adulthood that young Hermione shared the screen with “a true embodiment of greatness” in Maggie Smith.

Maggie Smith made her wish by marking the star, which she asked to be “genuine, candid, humorous, and self-respecting”.

As Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in this highly acclaimed ITV series Downton Abbey, she became a force to be reckoned with as she verbally spewed her wisdom, apt phrases, and witty one-liners throughout all six seasons of the show.

Maggie Smith won two Academy Awards for acting in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, 1970, and California Suite, 1979, aside from Downton Abbey.

The awards committee honored Maggie Smith with seven BAFTA awards and recognized her with four additional nominations.

In a statement, the King and Queen remarked: “As we bid farewell to a national treasure, we join countless individuals worldwide in cherishing her remarkable performances, as well as the warmth and humor that radiated both on and off the stage.”

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The Prime Minister praised Dame Maggie as “a national treasure,” emphasizing that future generations will value her contributions.

Sir Keir remarked that she “opened our eyes to new realms through the myriad of stories she portrayed throughout her extensive career.”

Anyone fortunate to share a scene with Maggie can attest to her sharp perception, quick humor, and incredible talent.Hugh Bonneville called Maggie Smith an iconic figure, noting she will be remembered for her remarkable performances on screen.

‘No-one quite like Maggie’

Dame Maggie reprised her role in the two Downton Abbey films. In the 2022 sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, her character died from the illness revealed in the 2019 film.

Dame Harriet Walter, co-star with Dame Maggie, to news 4’s PM programme said that Dame Maggie was brilliant both for comedy and drama roles.

“She was a remarkable comedian and portrayed deeply emotional characters, showcasing the extensive range of an actress of her caliber.”

Michelle Dockery, Maggie’s screen granddaughter, stated, “There wasn’t anyone quite like Maggie,” reflecting on her unique presence and talent. I feel very lucky to have met such a singular person. She will be terribly missed and my thoughts are with her family.”

Lesley Nicol, as Mrs. Patmore, expressed devastation over Maggie Smith’s passing, emphasizing their close-knit group from *Downton Abbey*.

The creator and writer of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, told Variety magazine that she was “a delight to write for, possessing subtlety, depth, intelligence, humour, and the ability to evoke deep emotions.”

“If she were either purely comedic or purely tragic, she would not have left such a marked impression.”

*Downton Abbey* followed the success of *Gosford Park*, which earned Maggie Smith Oscar and BAFTA nods for her role.

Maggie Smith’s career began in the 1950s, earning her first Oscar nod for *Othello* (1965) as Desdemona opposite Laurence Olivier.

Maggie Smith starred in the 1985 film *A Room With a View*, earning another Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award.

In *Tea with Mussolini*, Maggie Smith portrayed a strict yet compassionate Englishwoman, showcasing her versatile acting style in *Sister Act*.

Whoopi Goldberg praised Maggie Smith as “a great woman and brilliant actress,” feeling “shocked” to work with someone so unique.

Rob Lowe fondly recalled his unforgettable experience working with Dame Maggie Smith on the 1993 film *Suddenly Last Summer.

“It was like being matched with a lion when you are given a scene with her,” he noted.

“She had the ability to dominate any situation, and she often did. Yet, she was humorous and delightful company, showing no tolerance for foolishness.

“We shall not witness another like her. Godspeed, Ms. Smith!”

Maggie Smith portrayed a woman living in a van outside Alan Bennett’s home in the 2015 film *The Lady in the Van.