Dame Maggie Smith had a long and prolific career in the film industry, spanning over six decades, leaving a long-lasting impact. With a diverse body of work that included everything from tragic Shakespearean plays to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Smith’s acting was characterized by depth and subtlety, establishing her as one of the most respected actors of her era. Over her career, she received six Academy Award nominations, winning two for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978). Smith’s talent transcended genres, resonating with audiences across different generations, and even now, her influence will continue to shape future performances.
Her memorable characters, known for their sharp wit, intelligence, and underlying strength, are unforgettable in the history of film. Even as she grew older, Smith remained in the spotlight with faultlessly portrayed roles, such as in the Downton Abbey series, consistently reinventing herself and continuing to garner critical acclaim for her timeless performances. From stage to screen, her remarkable versatility and natural presence on camera earned her every accolade the acting world offers. Her legacy endures, inspiring future generations of actors and ensuring that her work will remain a testament to artistic brilliance and grace for many years.
15 Sister Act (1992)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Mother Superior
In the cult classic 1990s movie Sister Act, Smith delivers one of her most memorable performances. In this fun and lighthearted hit, she plays the role of an initially stern convent leader. Her character is tasked with sheltering Deloris Wilson, a lively lounge singer portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg, who enters witness protection within the convent after witnessing a mob hit. Smith’s depiction of Mother Superior’s prim and proper ways provides a stark and humorous contrast to Goldberg’s vibrant and edgy Deloris.
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Sister Act is a heartwarming and entertaining movie, and Smith’s exceptional acting contributes significantly to its enduring popularity. This film even led to a sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, and received well-deserved recognition, including NAACP Image and People’s Choice Awards. This is a film where Smith shows her ability to excel in diverse roles, but it’s far from her most dramatic performance. As such, it doesn’t rank among the best of the best.
14 Quartet (2012)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Jean Horton
Set in a retirement home for former opera singers, Quartet is a heartwarming drama that follows the story of old friends preparing for an annual concert. Maggie Smith portrays Jean Horton, a celebrated diva whose arrival at the home stirs emotions, particularly with her ex-husband, played by Tom Courtenay. The film is filled with humor, tenderness, and reflections on aging, and it beautifully captures the trials and joys of life in the later years.
Recognized: Dame Maggie Smith received numerous accolades throughout her extensive career, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Primetime Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award.
Smith’s depiction of Jean is multifaceted. She shows vulnerability but also strength and delivers a performance that brings both heartache and humor to the forefront. Her ability to balance arrogance with moments of reflection makes her character so compelling. While Quartet offers a light and uplifting tone, Smith’s performance adds an emotional element to the film, reaffirming her ability to elevate any role.
13 The Secret Garden (1993)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Mrs. Medlock
In the adaptation of The Secret Garden, Dame Maggie Smith displays her ability to elevate a movie’s overall quality with her role as head housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock. Undeniably one of her most exceptional performances, the film revolves around a young orphan, Mary Lennox, and her cousin, both of whom exhibit spoiled and stubborn behavior.
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Smith’s portrayal of Mrs. Medlock presents a compelling contrast to the wild and untamed nature of the children throughout the narrative. Her performance not only harmonizes with the young actors but also brings a seasoned depth to the film. Smith’s portrayal of Mrs. Medlock was so impressive that it earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
12 Othello (1965)
Dame Maggie Smith Portrays Desdemona
In this adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, Dame Maggie Smith takes on the role of Desdemona, the innocent and tragic wife of Laurence Olivier’s Othello. The film remains faithful to the original play, recounting the destructive path of jealousy and betrayal. Desdemona’s love for Othello becomes a central point of the plot as the manipulative Iago drives a wedge between the couple, leading to the famous, tragic conclusion.
Othello remains the one and only Shakespeare-adapted film in which all the principal roles were nominated for Academy Awards.
Smith’s portrayal of Desdemona is delicate yet resolute, capturing the character’s purity and loyalty in the chaos surrounding her. Her interpretation complements Olivier’s intense performance, offering a softer counterbalance to the more aggressive male characters. Smith’s work in Othello showcased her talent for embodying Shakespearean heroines, further cementing her reputation as one of the great classical actors of her generation.
11 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Muriel Donnelly
Based in India, this film depicts a group of British retirees who journey to a recently opened hotel with expectations of luxury, only to uncover adventure and self-discovery. In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Dame Maggie Smith portrays Muriel Donnelly, a former housekeeper known for her sharp opinions and pessimistic view of life. Throughout the story, Muriel experiences significant changes that begin to soften her demeanor and help her find a new purpose in her environment.
Initially showcasing her character’s sharpness and preconceptions, she gradually exposes Muriel’s vulnerability, making her one of the most captivating characters in the movie.
Smith’s portrayal of Muriel is both amusing and profoundly moving. Initially showcasing her character’s sharpness and preconceptions, she gradually exposes Muriel’s vulnerability, making her one of the most captivating characters in the movie. Smith’s talent at combining humor with emotional authenticity made The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel one of the best films in recent memory. Further, it solidified her reputation as one of cinema’s finest actors.
10 Death On The Nile (1978)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Travel Companion Miss Bowers
In this Agatha Christie adaptation of Death on the Nile, Dame Maggie Smith plays Miss Bowers, a sharp-witted and observant travel companion. Set aboard a luxurious riverboat, the film follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder among the passengers. The movie’s ensemble cast, filled with colorful characters, provides plenty of intrigue and suspense throughout.
Despite the glamorous nature of the film, iconic actors Bette Davis, Dame Maggie Smith, and Dame Angela Lansbury all shared a small steamboat cabin as a dressing room. While one changed, the other two lay on the beds on opposite sides of the cabin.
Smith’s depiction of Miss Bowers is dry and acerbic, bringing a sense of humor and biting wit to the character, a trait for which she will become famous. Even in a star-studded cast packed with major stars like Bette Davis and Angela Lansbury, Smith stands out with her quick delivery and perfectly timed expressions, making her a highlight of the film. Her presence adds an extra layer of wit to the tension-filled mystery, helping Death on the Nile become a celebrated and critically acclaimed work.
9 Richard III (1995)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays The Duchess Of York
This adaptation of Richard III, set in a fascist 1930s England, stars Ian McKellen as the ruthless and power-hungry king. Dame Maggie Smith portrays the Duchess of York, Richard’s mother, who witnesses the brutal unraveling of her family as her son seizes the throne. The film is visually striking, and its modernized take on Shakespeare’s classic work gives the political intrigue a fresh look.
Though more in the background, Smith’s role as the Duchess is pivotal in providing a moral counterpoint to Richard’s cruelty. Her dignified presence and emotional gravity add a deep sense of tragedy to the film. Smith’s ability to convey anguish and loss subtly and precisely brings an intensity to the role, reminding audiences of her continued mastery of Shakespearean adaptations. Her performance in Richard III is another testament to her extraordinary ability to navigate complex characters.
8 The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
Dame Maggie Smith Appears As Minerva McGonagall In Seven Harry Potter Movies
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Smith might be best known for portraying Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies, demonstrating some of her finest work. Playing the stern but endearing head of Gryffindor house and transfiguration professor, Smith delivers a performance that leaves a lasting impression and continues her legacy to this day.
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Her contribution to the series is particularly evident in the first film, where her character’s multifaceted nature is established. Throughout the seven subsequent movies, Smith skillfully allows the character’s softer side to emerge as the series grows in darkness and violence. However, she never quite gets enough screen time for Harry Potter to rank higher among her best movies of all time.
7 The V.I.P.s (1963)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Miss Mead
An ensemble movie set in an airport VIP lounge, The V.I.P.s finds Smith playing Miss Mead, a dedicated secretary secretly in love with her employer, Les Mangrum. Smith masterfully brings depth and emotion to her character, so much so that her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
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Dame Maggie Smith’s Highest-Grossing Movies |
Worldwide Global Box Office |
|---|---|
|
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (2011) |
$1.31 billion |
|
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) |
$964 million |
|
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) |
$937 million |
|
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) |
$926 million |
|
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) |
$885 million |
|
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) |
$874 million |
|
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) |
$783 million |
|
Hook (1991) |
$301 million |
|
Sister Act (1992) |
$232 million |
|
Downton Abbey (2019) |
$195 million |
In a star-studded film featuring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Orson Welles, Margaret Rutherford, and David Frost, Smith’s presence stands out even among those greats. That’s a testament to her acting skill, though the movies where Smith can take more of a lead role provide more opportunities to see her incredible talent.
6 The Lady In The Van (2015)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Miss Shepherd
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The Lady in the Van is the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, a homeless woman who parks her van in playwright Alan Bennett’s driveway for 15 years. Smith brilliantly captures Miss Shepherd’s eccentricities, portraying her as guarded, enigmatic, and alluding to a hidden past. Her performance earned Smith her ninth Golden Globe nomination.
Dame Maggie Smith is the only British actor or actress to win both a Leading and Supporting Performance Oscar.
Despite Shepherd’s challenging and demanding demeanor, Smith infuses the character with depth and likability. Smith’s performance is endearing enough to land The Lady in the Van among her top 15 movies, but it’s a testament to all the other memorable performances in her career that it doesn’t break into the top five.
5 Travels With My Aunt (1972)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Aunt Augusta
Travels with My Aunt, a film based on Graham Greene’s work, directed by George Cukor, marked a pivotal moment in Smith’s career. She embodies the eccentric character of Aunt Augusta Bertram, who takes her young nephew, Henry, on a globe-trotting adventure with a unique and exciting narrative that keeps the audience hooked.
Smith’s portrayal is a tour de force, showcasing her comedic talents and ability to breathe life into a flamboyant character despite being known for playing more stoic roles. Her role earned her a well-deserved third Academy Award and a second Golden Globe nomination. It is undeniably among her top five best performances. However, several of her later movies are even more memorable.
4 California Suite (1978)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Diana Barrie
Dame Maggie Smith’s portrayal of Diana Barrie in California Suite is arguably one of her most brilliant and self-aware performances. The film, adapted from Neil Simon’s Broadway play, weaves four distinct stories of guests at a luxurious California resort, each in a remarkable and humorous tale that plays to all the actors’ strengths.
For her role as Diana Barrie, Dame Maggie Smith won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1979.
As Diana, a British actress dealing with a failed awards ceremony and her marriage to a closeted gay man, portrayed by Michael Caine, Smith delivers a performance that earned her both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Her comedic timing again shines, and her chemistry with Caine, Jane Fonda, Walter Matthau, and Elaine May adds depth to the film.
3 Room With A View (1985)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Charlotte Bartlett
A Room with a View follows the prim and disapproving Charlotte, who chaperons her cousin as they travel through Italy. Smith’s depiction of Charlotte perfectly captures the character’s inability to see the possibilities before her in Italy’s live-and-let-live spirit. Smith plays the role with incredible authenticity, and it pairs perfectly with Helena Bonham Carter’s performance of Lucy.
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Smith’s performance in this coming-of-age story received critical acclaim, winning her a second Golden Globe Award and a fifth Oscar nomination. A Room with a View authentically adapts E.M. Forster’s book, with Smith’s role as Charlotte adding depth to its exploration of burgeoning sexuality and high society. It’s undoubtedly one of her best movies, but it falls just short of being the best.
2 Gosford Park (2001)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Countess Constance Trentham
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Smith’s portrayal in Gosford Park is a masterclass in delivering cutting put-downs and witty aristocratic remarks, earning her a sixth Oscar nomination and a seventh Golden Globe film nomination. This intelligent country house murder mystery, featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Alan Bates, Eileen Atkins, and Helen Mirren, allowed Smith to shine as the countess.
The film marked a turning point in her career, foreshadowing the iconic Dowager Countess she would later become in Downton Abbey. It’s still a delight to watch years later, and the iconic nature of Smith’s performance as Countess Constance Trentham makes Gosford Park one of her best movies of all time.
1 The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Jean Brodie
Smith delivers her most iconic and influential performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Based on Jay Presson Allen’s adaptation of Muriel Spark’s novel, the film showcases Smith in the classic role, where she effortlessly embodies the haughty and captivating schoolteacher. Smith’s portrayal is noted for its unique blend of vulnerability, romance, intellect, and an undeniable hold over the men in her life.
The portrayal of the charismatic yet unorthodox teacher who imparts her unconventional beliefs to her young students showcases Maggie Smith’s exceptional talent and ability to portray an energetic and lively role. Confirming her performance, Dame Maggie Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actress in the 42nd Academy Awards ceremony. She made The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie the crowning jewel in her extensive movie career.
Maggie Smith Birthdate December 28, 1934 Birthplace Ilford, Essex, England Height 5 feet 5 inches Notable Projects Sister Act Professions Actor , Author