Top 10 Unforgettable Maggie Smith Performances We Will Always Cherish

In this timeless tale, Maggie Smith brought Minerva McGonagall, the strict yet nurturing Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, to life with her impeccable knack for balancing sternness and warmth. Released on November 16, 2001, her role in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” set the tone for a character that millions of fans grew to adore over the following seven films. Learn more

Maggie Smith’s portrayal of the witty and sharp-tongued Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in “Downton Abbey” made the audience laugh, cry, and hang on her every word. First aired on September 26, 2010, this period drama chronicled the vivid lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era. Her performance was nothing short of iconic. Learn more

In Steven Spielberg's “Hook,” released on April 10, 1991, Maggie Smith played Granny Wendy, a character pivotal to reawakening Peter Pan's sense of wonder and adventure. This film creatively reimagined the beloved Peter Pan story, casting Peter as a grown-up who had lost his way. Smith’s performance provided a heartwarming anchor to the fantastical elements of the narrative. Learn more

In the humorous and heartfelt “Sister Act,” released May 28, 1992, Maggie Smith played a pivotal role as the strict yet sympathetic Mother Superior. The film follows a Reno singer who witnesses a mob murder and is hidden in a convent for her safety. Smith’s character initially hesitates to trust the singer, resulting in many comical and touching moments. Learn more

Released on March 7, 1986, “A Room with a View” featured Maggie Smith as Charlotte Bartlett, a character of great prudence and loyalty. The film tells the story of Lucy Honeychurch and her adventures in Florence and back in England, which significantly affect her feelings and choices. Smith’s nuanced performance added profound depth to this romantic drama. Learn more

“Gosford Park,” released November 7, 2001, thrust Maggie Smith into a classic whodunit scenario. She starred as Constance, Countess of Trentham, delivering a delightful blend of humor and intrigue. The narrative centers on a group of wealthy elites who gather for a weekend retreat that turns deadly. Her performance added significant layers to this murder mystery. Learn more

In the third installment of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," released on May 31, 2004, Maggie Smith continued her role as Minerva McGonagall. Amidst the new challenges and threats, Smith’s portrayal of Professor McGonagall remained a pillar of strength and wisdom. This movie, enriched by her presence, also featured the ominous Dementors and introduced Sirius Black. Learn more

Released on October 30, 2015, “The Lady in the Van” showcases Maggie Smith in one of her most heartwarming roles as Miss Shepherd. This true story delves into an unusual friendship between a man who allows a transient woman to park her van in his driveway, where she ends up living for 15 years. Smith’s portrayal is touching and complex, highlighting her superb range as an actress. Learn more

In "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," released on February 23, 2012, Maggie Smith played the role of Muriel Donnelly, one of the British retirees who indulge in the misadventures of relocating to a less-than-advertised luxurious Indian hotel. Her character, initially reluctant and cynical, gradually discovers a new purpose in this environment full of unexpected charm. Learn more

Released on August 13, 1993, “The Secret Garden” featured Maggie Smith as Mrs. Medlock, the stern housekeeper of the Misselthwaite Manor. In this beloved adaptation, a young girl discovers a hidden, neglected garden, which becomes a Christian metaphor for rediscovery and healing. Smith’s performance imbued a quintessential blend of rigidity and latent compassion. Learn more