September 29th 2024.
Dame Maggie Smith, a beloved actress known for her numerous on-screen roles, opens up about the overwhelming nature of fame. While she is most recognized for her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, it was actually her performance in Downton Abbey that changed her life forever.
As we mourn her passing at the age of 89, many have been revisiting old interviews where she showcases her sharp wit and humor. One particular moment that has gone viral is from a conversation at the BFI in 2017, where she reveals how the popular TV drama hindered her ability to attend the theater.
Smith never shied away from expressing her thoughts on Downton Abbey. In fact, she famously admitted to never watching the show and even found it confusing. Despite her long and successful career in the entertainment industry, the show's impact on her life was more disruptive than she expected.
In the series, Smith played the character of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, from 2010 to 2015. When asked about the impact of her two biggest roles, she humorously replied, "It's ridiculous. I led a perfectly normal life until Downton Abbey." The audience chuckled, but Smith was not kidding. She explains, "I mean, I'd go to theaters, I'd go to galleries and things like that on my own, and now I can't. And that's, you know, awful."
She goes on to say that the busy Fulham Road has become even more chaotic due to the popularity of the show. "It's truly television," she remarks. "I've been working around for a very, very long time before Downton Abbey, and you know, life was fine. Nobody knew who the hell I was. It has changed, never mind eh."
When asked if she has seen any episodes of the show, Smith admits that it had gotten to a point where it was too late to catch up. Despite this, the show ran for five successful years and even had a movie adaptation.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, in a statement released on Friday, September 27. They describe their mother as an intensely private person who passed away peacefully in the hospital surrounded by loved ones.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days," the statement reads. "She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Dame Maggie Smith's legacy will continue to live on through her iconic performances and the impact she has had on the entertainment industry. As fans and colleagues continue to pay tribute to her extraordinary life and talent, we remember her as a true icon and treasure in the world of acting.
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