Dame Maggie Smith is a towering figure in the world of acting, with a career spanning over six decades across stage, film, and television. Known for her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and the remarkable ability to breathe life into a diverse array of characters, she has captivated audiences worldwide. From poignant dramas to lighthearted comedies, her versatility and depth have made her one of the most respected and beloved actresses of our time. In honor of her extraordinary talent, we present ten of her most memorable performances, showcasing the breadth and depth of her illustrious career. These roles are presented in no particular order, each one a testament to her enduring legacy.
1. “Downton Abbey” (2010-2015)
Available to stream on Amazon Prime, BritBox, and Peacock; available for purchase on Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
In the critically acclaimed television series “Downton Abbey,” Maggie Smith portrays Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. With her sharp tongue and quick wit, Smith steals every scene she’s in, delivering cutting remarks with a twinkle in her eye. Her character embodies the old-world aristocracy grappling with the rapidly changing social landscape of the early 20th century. Smith brings depth and humanity to Violet, showcasing a woman who, beneath her stern exterior, deeply cares for her family’s legacy and well-being. Her performance earned her multiple Emmy Awards, cementing her status as television royalty.
2. “A Room with a View” (1985)
Available to stream on Max, BritBox, and The Criterion Channel; available for purchase on Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
In James Ivory’s adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel “A Room with a View,” Smith plays Charlotte Bartlett, the overbearing yet well-meaning chaperone to the young protagonist, Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter). Smith brilliantly captures the nuances of a woman constrained by the rigid social mores of Edwardian England. Her performance is both comedic and sympathetic, portraying Charlotte’s internal conflicts between propriety and the desire for personal freedom. The film showcases Smith’s ability to infuse depth into supporting roles, making Charlotte an integral part of the story’s emotional resonance.
3. “California Suite” (1978)
Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
In “California Suite,” written by Neil Simon, Maggie Smith stars as Diana Barrie, a British actress nominated for an Academy Award. Paired with Michael Caine, who plays her estranged husband, the duo navigates the complexities of a failing marriage amidst the backdrop of Hollywood glamour. Smith delivers a layered performance, blending sharp humor with vulnerability as Diana grapples with professional disappointment and personal betrayal. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her exceptional talent in bringing depth to emotionally complex characters.
4. “Sister Act” (1992)
Available to stream on Disney+; available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
In the hit comedy “Sister Act,” Smith takes on the role of Mother Superior, the stern head of a convent where lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) hides after witnessing a crime. Smith’s performance is a masterclass in understated comedy, providing the perfect foil to Goldberg’s exuberant character. Through her disapproving glances and rigid posture, she conveys both the challenges and the eventual warmth that develops between the two women. The film showcases Smith’s ability to enhance comedic narratives with depth and grace, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity.
5. “Gosford Park” (2001)
Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
In Robert Altman’s ensemble mystery “Gosford Park,” Maggie Smith plays Constance, Countess of Trentham, a character dripping with sarcasm and entitlement. Set in 1930s England, the film delves into the intertwined lives of the wealthy and their servants during a weekend shooting party that turns deadly. Smith’s portrayal is both humorous and scathing, delivering biting one-liners that reveal the absurdities of the class system. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, demonstrating her skill in elevating ensemble pieces with her commanding presence.
6. “Murder by Death” (1976)
Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
In the satirical whodunit “Murder by Death,” Smith teams up with David Niven as Dora and Dick Charleston, parodies of Dashiell Hammett’s Nick and Nora Charles. The film brings together an eclectic group of famous detectives invited to a mysterious dinner party where a murder is afoot. Smith showcases her comedic prowess, effortlessly blending sophistication with slapstick humor. Her chemistry with Niven adds a delightful charm to the film, making it a must-watch for fans of classic detective stories and parodies alike.
7. “Travels with My Aunt” (1972)
Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
In “Travels with My Aunt,” adapted from Graham Greene’s novel, Smith plays the eccentric and vivacious Aunt Augusta. Despite being in her late thirties at the time, she convincingly portrays an older woman who leads her conservative nephew on a series of exotic adventures. Smith imbues Augusta with a zest for life and a disregard for societal norms, creating a character that is both outrageous and endearing. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, highlighting her ability to carry a film with charm and charisma.
8. “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne” (1987)
Available to stream on The Criterion Channel.
In the deeply moving “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne,” Smith delivers one of her most powerful performances as the titular character. Judith Hearne is a middle-aged piano teacher struggling with loneliness, alcoholism, and unfulfilled desires in 1950s Dublin. Smith’s portrayal is unflinchingly honest, capturing the despair and vulnerability of a woman facing societal marginalization. The film is a poignant exploration of isolation and the human need for connection, with Smith’s performance earning critical acclaim and a BAFTA Award for Best Actress.
9. “Evil Under the Sun” (1982)
Available to stream on BritBox; available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
Reuniting with Peter Ustinov’s Hercule Poirot, Smith stars in the Agatha Christie adaptation “Evil Under the Sun” as Daphne Castle, the owner of a luxurious island resort. When a murder occurs among the guests, Daphne becomes both a suspect and a source of sharp-witted commentary. Smith brings elegance and a sly humor to the role, engaging in verbal sparring with Poirot and the other characters. Her performance adds depth to the classic mystery, showcasing her talent for blending sophistication with intrigue.
10. “A Private Function” (1984)
Available to stream on The Criterion Channel.
In the post-World War II comedy “A Private Function,” Smith plays Joyce Chilvers, a woman determined to climb the social ladder in a small English town. When her meek husband Gilbert (Michael Palin) becomes entangled in a scheme to illegally raise a pig for a local banquet, chaos ensues. Smith’s portrayal of Joyce is both hilarious and insightful, capturing the aspirations and frustrations of a woman constrained by her circumstances. Her performance earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress, highlighting her ability to balance comedy with sharp social commentary.
Celebrating a Timeless Talent
Maggie Smith’s remarkable career is a testament to her extraordinary range and enduring appeal. From commanding matriarchs to vulnerable loners, she has inhabited each role with a depth and authenticity that resonates with audiences across generations. These ten performances offer a glimpse into her versatility as an actress, each one a shining example of her ability to captivate and inspire. Whether delivering a biting quip or conveying profound emotion without a word, Maggie Smith continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her legacy is not just in the awards and accolades but in the countless moments of cinematic brilliance that have touched the hearts of viewers worldwide.
