RIP Maggie Smith (89) - British Actress

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Maggie Smith, who passed away at 89, had a prolific career spanning over 60 years, with notable roles in films such as "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series. Her performances in "Gosford Park" and "Downton Abbey" were particularly celebrated, showcasing her ability to blend command with humor. The discussion highlights her impactful characters, with specific mention of her role as Great-Aunt Constance in "Gosford Park" and the Dowager Countess Violet in "Downton Abbey." Participants also shared personal anecdotes, including a chance encounter with Smith's co-stars Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton. The conversation reflects on her memorable lines and the depth she brought to her characters, reinforcing her legacy as a powerful and compelling actress.
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LONDON (AP) — Maggie Smith, who died Friday aged 89, appeared in dozens of films over more than 60 years. Roles ranged from her iconic turn in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” to her Professor Minerva McGonagall in seven Harry Potter films, and films from Shakespeare’s “Othello” to the animated “Gnomeo & Juliet.”

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001749/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/27/us/video/maggie-smith-best-moments-digvid

I watch a clip from “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”. What a powerful and compelling actress she was.
 
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Do you have a favorite Dame Maggie performance or character?

My favorite character must be Great-Aunt Constance in "Gosford Park" (2001), commanding but completely out of touch with the contemporary, doting yet acerbic, loving while bristling with disdain. Smith essentially reprises her role ten years later as Dowager Countess Violet, stealing scene after scene in "Downton Abbey".

BTW Jim Carter plays head butler in both "Gosford Park" and "Downton Abbey" with typical understated panache.[edit: corrected error.]
 
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Astronuc said:
I watch a clip from “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”. What a powerful and compelling actress she was.
Indeed
 
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Klystron said:
Do you have a favorite Dame Maggie performance or character?
She had perhaps one of the best comic lines in film history, at the end of A Private Function, co-starring Michael Palin.
 
Klystron said:
BTW Jim Carter plays head butler in both "Gosford Park" and "Downton Abbey" with typical understated panache.
The butler in Gosford Park was played by Alan Bates.

Fun fact: a couple of years ago I took my partner for a valentine's meal at a small Italian restaurant and Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton were at the next table.
 
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PeroK said:
The butler in Gosford Park was played by Alan Bates.
Correct. I should have checked. Perhaps I was thinking of Jim Carter playing the Father in Denis Potter's "Singing Detective", the TV series, not the movie. As 'penance' I will watch "Gosford Park" again. Thanks.
 

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