Maggie Smith was an absolute legend. Sure, we all know her as the no-nonsense Gryffindor-aligned Professor Minerva McGonagall from Harry Potter, but she was so much more. Born in 1934, she reigned the screen for decades. From winning an Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to killing it as a no-nonsense nun in Sister Act, she had mad talent and charisma.
Her performances were on point, and she could flip from drama to comedy like it was no big deal. With her passing, we deemed to it fit to pay her homage and look back at the massive impact she’s made in both film and theater. Here are our top picks.
California Suite (1978)
Maggie Smith snagged the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Diana Barrie, a washed-up British actress just trying to revive her career during the Academy Awards in L.A. The film follows the crazy antics of different couples at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Smith’s part, where she’s nervously prepping for the Oscars and throwing shade at her fabulously gay husband (played by Michael Caine) hits different. Smith balances being snarky and vulnerable like a pro. She’s got that perfect blend of sweetness and sass, keeping it real in the mix of comedy and drama.
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Evil Under the Sun is not just your average whodunit—it’s got a clever plot where every suspect seems to have an airtight alibi. Honestly, it was Maggie who really stole the show. She played a sassy hotelier who doesn’t hold back with her hilarious, sharp comments about her annoying guests.
Her dry humour added so much charm to the film, making it a blast to watch as she deals with the crazy murder mystery and drops some of the best one-liners. The way the story’s put together, plus Smith’s sharp wit, really makes this a standout in her career. She showed us once again that she can elevate any role with her amazing charisma.
A Room with a View (1985)
Set against the stunning backdrops of rural England and Tuscany, the story follows Lucy (Helena Bonham Carter). Maggie is Lucy’s gossiping cousin who’s all in for those strict societal norms. She’s the kind of relative who makes you question everything.
Her fussy ways really push Lucy to think about what she wants in life—like, does she stick to tradition or break free? Maggie’s performance is on point, showing us how family can both uplift and hold us back. It’s a beautiful story about finding yourself, and Maggie is the perfect foil for Lucy’s journey.
Gosford Park (2001)
Set in the 1930s, Gosford Park gathers a bunch of pretentious wealthy folks for a chill weekend at a hunting lodge. It’s all about luxury and leisure—until a murder shakes things up. Suddenly, each of these quirky characters is a suspect, and you can cut the tension in the air with a knife.
With secrets bubbling to the surface, the film gets into the intricate relationships and hidden motives of the elite. Maggie slays as Constance, the Dowager Countess of Trentham. She’s got this dry humour that just steals the show, even with a big cast around her, let alone a murder mystery.
Downton Abbey (2019)
Welcome to the world of Downton Abbey, where Maggie played Violet Crawley, the sassy dowager countess. She was the epitome of classy but always has the perfect comeback about today’s trends. Watching her handle family drama while sticking to tradition is both funny and relatable. As the film goes on, you really get to see more depth in her character, and it’s engaging. Maggie made Violet a legend, and her iconic lines? Yeah, they’ll stick with you long after the credits have rolled out.
Harry Potter (Film series: 2001 – 2011)
At the age of 67, Maggie won over a whole new generation of fans as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. She was the only actor J.K. Rowling specifically wanted for the role—how cool is that? Maggie as Minerva had the perfect character arc; strict yet nurturing, fiercely loyal, incredibly wise and always standing up for what’s right.
However, while filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She kept filming and pushed through two years of treatment, coming out stronger than ever. An absolute champ.
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