RIP Maggie Smith (89) - British Actress

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SUMMARY

Maggie Smith, the renowned British actress, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of iconic performances spanning over 60 years. Notable roles include her portrayal of Miss Jean Brodie in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" series. She also captivated audiences as Great-Aunt Constance in "Gosford Park" (2001) and the Dowager Countess Violet in "Downton Abbey." Her performances are celebrated for their depth, wit, and commanding presence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with classic British cinema and television.
  • Understanding of character development in film and theater.
  • Knowledge of notable works by Maggie Smith, including "Gosford Park" and "Downton Abbey."
  • Awareness of the impact of actors on film narratives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Maggie Smith's filmography on IMDb for a comprehensive list of her roles.
  • Watch "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" to analyze her performance techniques.
  • Research the significance of character actors in ensemble casts, focusing on "Gosford Park" and "Downton Abbey."
  • Investigate the evolution of British cinema over the last six decades, highlighting key figures like Maggie Smith.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for film enthusiasts, actors studying character portrayal, and anyone interested in the contributions of British cinema icons like Maggie Smith.

Astronuc
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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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