September 28th 2024.
Maggie Smith, the beloved actress known for her iconic role as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in the hit show Downton Abbey, recently passed away at the age of 89. As fans mourned her loss, a resurfaced interview clip from 2015 on The Graham Norton Show has been making its rounds on social media, showcasing Smith's dry sense of humor that she was known for.
During the interview, Norton asked Smith if she was relieved that Downton Abbey had come to an end, to which she replied with a quick and witty, "Oh yeah." She went on to explain that her character must have been about 110 years old by the end of the show, making it difficult to continue. However, what surprised the audience and host was when Smith admitted that she had never actually watched the show, despite her iconic portrayal. She even joked about having the box set so she could finally watch it.
Despite her lack of interest in watching her own work, Smith's portrayal of Violet Crawley remains one of her most celebrated roles. Her sharp-tongued yet lovable character provided many memorable moments throughout the show's five-year run and even continued in the 2022 film, Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Aside from Downton Abbey, Smith also had other iconic roles such as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and critically acclaimed films like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, for which she won her first Academy Award in 1970. Her talent and versatility were also evident in her roles in California Suite, for which she earned a second Oscar, and in films like The Lady in the Van and Gosford Park, solidifying her as acting royalty.
Unfortunately, on Friday 27th September, Smith's sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens announced her passing in a statement. They thanked the staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care during her final days and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in from her colleagues and admirers. Rupert Grint, who starred alongside Smith in Harry Potter, changed his Instagram profile picture to a throwback image of the two of them, while Daniel Radcliffe shared a heartfelt statement remembering her "incredibly kind" legacy and personal impact on his life.
Hugh Bonneville, Smith's Downton Abbey co-star who played her son, also reflected on her unmatched talent and called her "a true legend of her generation" with a sharp wit and formidable talent. Dan Stevens, who played Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, remembered Smith as "truly one of the greats," and actor and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth praised her as "one of a kind in every way."
Smith's legacy will surely live on, even though she may not have cared much for one of her most iconic roles, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. Throughout her decades-long career, Smith proved time and time again that she was a force to be reckoned with and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
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