AYA * Everybody knows Dame Maggie Smith
as the actress that played professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise,
but there is a long journey of film and theatre achievements made by smith that are often
overlooked by her more contemporary work. It was her confidence and professionalism that set her
apart from others and a special type of acting that keeps her in the spotlight to this day.*
AYA Maggie Smith was born to a Scottish
mother and english father. Having growing up with the idea of not being pretty
enough to be an actress by her mother and grandmother, Maggie’s childhood dream of
being an actress would come to fruition in her late teens, much to the dismay of her family.
AYA The strict and uptight upbringing
gave Maggie a stern and relentless drive to achieve all of her dreams and proving people
wrong. She entered the Oxford Playhouse to play stage roles in classics like Twelfth Night and
Cinderella at the age of 17. A few years later she started appearing in tv and film roles, but minor
ones. Her first role was in Child In The House in 1956. That same year she had her Broadway debut.
In fact, in 1959, she received the first of her 18 BAFTA nominations for her role in the film
Nowhere to Go. AYA
The 60’s were Maggie’s years of carving out a reputation as a diverse talent
for film, tv and stage. Her appearances opposite previous best actress Oscar winners
seemed to have foreshadowed her own future, in films like The VIP’s, The Pumpkin Eater,
Young Cassidy and The Honeypot. (MORE)
AYA (CONT'D) It was Smith’s performance in
Othello, the film version opposite Lawrence Olivier that earned her, her fist Oscar
nomination in 66. AYA
* Having finally mustered up this reputation of a predominantly supporting
actress on screen, which we can notice that this is her favorite type of role in film
to this day, rather a headlining role, Maggie was ready to take on a major role in 1969.
She was known as a highly professional actress who would dig into her scripts during filming
breaks rather than mingle and give actors notes if she did not like their acting.
Maggie’s moment of international fame came when she was cast as the idealistic,
free spirited miss jean Brodie in The film version of The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.*
The exit from the 60’s and the entrance of the 70’s brought a new wave of female driven scripts.
New lessons about the female experience, the liberation and equality for women
were themes that were ever present in this film. And for this memorable performance, Maggie secured
the best actress Oscar in 1970. AYA
After this win, Smith proceeded in her usual fashion of acting simultaneously
on film, tv and stage. In 1978, she won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role
in California Suite. AYA
But it is Maggie’s decision to not be flashy and living in Hollywood
but rather remain on her home turf of England with her family that makes her very admired.
(MORE) 2.
AYA (CONT'D) It proves that you don’t have to be
in the Hollywood buzz giving interviews and photoshoots left right and center in order
to be on everyones radar. She once said, “It's true I don't tolerate fools but then they don't
tolerate me, so I am spiky. Maybe that's why I'm quite good at playing spiky elderly ladies.”
AYA Maggie Smith delivered even more
great and award winning performances in films and plays like in Room With A View, Three Tall Women,
Sister Act, Gosford Park, Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
and Lady In The Van to name only a few. AYA
* Maggie Smith’s exceptional work in all acting mediums, deserves a
standing ovation. Her longstanding career proves her timeless presence on screen
that can adapt to any genre, cast and story. That is what makes Maggie Smith so unique,
her versatility and smart taste in projects. Her image makes her very memorable and respected,
especially to film and theatre lovers.* 3.