On September 27, heartbreaking news was delivered to us. Dame Maggie Smith, one of the most iconic actresses of her generation and also one of the most beloved, is no longer with us. The two-time Academy Award winner has passed away at the age of 89 in London. Known for her commanding presence and remarkable versatility, the legendary Maggie Smith had conquered both stage and screen, winning numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs, one Tony and four Primetime Emmys. Dame Maggie Smith Dies at 89; Veteran Actress Was Known for Her Roles in ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Downtown Abbey’ and ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

Born in Ilford, Essex, in 1934, Maggie Smith began her career on the stage in the 1950s, quickly becoming a leading lady in London's West End and a member of the prestigious National Theatre. Though her stage work earned her critical acclaim, it was her transition to film and television that introduced her to a global audience. From period dramas to modern blockbusters, Smith has consistently delivered performances that are both powerful and nuanced. It was in 1990 that she was conferred the title 'Dame' by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

As we mourn the demise of the wonderful British actress, let's look at the five most popular roles of Dame Maggie Smith and where you can watch the movies/shows online.

1. Professor Minerva McGonagall ('Harry Potter' Series)

Maggie Smith in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

There are certain actors who you feel were in the author's mind when they wrote those characters. Harry Potter saga had a couple of such actors, like Alan Rickman (who also passed away) and Maggie Smith. As the stern yet kind-hearted Transfiguration Professor McGonagall, Maggie Smith became a beloved figure for an entire generation of filmgoers, having appeared in all eight films of the Harry Potter series. You can watch the Harry Potter movies on JioCinema.

2. Violet Crawley ('Downton Abbey')

Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey

Perhaps one of her most iconic television roles, Smith’s performance as the sharp-tongued, witty, and often hilariously cynical Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey earned her a new wave of fans, a Golden Globe, and three Emmys. Downton Abbey is streaming on JioCinema and Prime Video. Dame Maggie Smith Dies at 89: Netizens Pay Heartfelt Tribute to ’Harry Potter’s Beloved Professor McGonagall on X.

3. Miss Jean Brodie ('The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie')

Maggie Smith in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

It is hard to imagine the kindly-looking Maggie Smith in a negative role, but Maggie Smith delivered one of her career-best performances as the manipulative and narcissistic teacher in this 1969 film. She even won her first Academy Award for Best Actress (her second Oscar was for Best Supporting Actress for the 1978 film California Suite). The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie can be streamed on YouTube.

4. Muriel Donnelly ('The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel')

Maggie Smith in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

If you are an Indian fan of the actress, you would have surely watched her in this 2012 dramedy that is set in India. Maggie Smith played Muriel Donnelly, a cynical geriatric who comes to India in search of cheaper medical treatment. We then see her softer side once she gets familiarised with the people around her. She also appeared in the 2015 sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel can be rented on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

5. Mother Superior ('Sister Act')

Maggie Smith in Sister Ac

In this beloved 1992 comedy, Smith played the stern Mother Superior of a convent who reluctantly shelters Whoopi Goldberg's fugitive singer from the mob. Sister Act was a massive box-office success, and Smith’s role as the strict yet compassionate nun became a highlight of the film, which works nicely in contrast with Goldberg's gallery-pleasing antics. Sister Act is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

From wizardry to aristocracy, and from classrooms to convents, Dame Maggie Smith has embodied an extraordinary range of characters, each leaving a lasting mark on audiences worldwide. We will miss you, our dear Professor McGonagall!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2024 09:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).