Whether you grew up adoring her as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies or fell in love with the charming and strong Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, you have come across the brilliant work of Dame Maggie Smith. Born on December 28, 1934, as Margaret Natalie Smith, the 85-year-old English actress has wooed us all with her stellar acting and brilliant storytelling in every single role. While Smith's characters and her talent have been the talk of the town for decades now, there are still multiple things about the supremely talented actress that not many know. And Maggie Smith's 85th birthday sets the perfect scene to bring to the forefront the best things about her! Yes, apart from Maggie's incredible work in the movies, there are multiple records, facts and trivia that not many know about her. And as we celebrate her 85th birthday together, here are the best Maggie Smith Trivia you need!

The Awards & Accolades

Maggie Smith is one of the few actresses who boasts of The Triple Crown. An informal designation associated with artists who have won an Oscar (Academy Award), an Emmy and Tony! In fact, the brilliance of Maggie Smith has bagged her not one but two Academy Awards! One for Best Actress (for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969) and the other Best Supporting Actress (for California Suite in 1978).

The Real-Life Superhero

While we have all loved Maggie Smith's portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series. She proved that she was a truly magical being when she filmed for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince while battling breast cancer. She duelled this evil illness while finishing the franchise and did so with all the grace and poise that she is known for.

Education Over Schooling?

Not many know that Maggie Smith never went to college. She skipped her schooling to get into acting full-time and went on to then receive three Honorary Degrees from the University of St Andrews, University of Bath and University of Cambridge.

The Long and Flourishing Career

While we all know and love Maggie for her more recent roles, she began her career on stage as a student back in 1952 and has been blessing us with some of the best movies for more than 60 years. She gives us some unforgettable performance in films like Sister Act (1992), Othello (1971), Washington Square (1997), to name a few!

Dame Maggie Smith

Finally, Maggie Smith was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. The honorific title was given to Smith for her contributions to the performing arts. In 2014, she went on to receive Companion of Honour for services to drama.

There is no questioning the fact that Dame Maggie Smith has genuinely been a blessing to the world of arts and performances. And as we celebrate the actress' 85th birthday, we cannot help but wonder what is in store for the coming years! Here's wishing Maggie Smith a very Happy Birthday!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 28, 2019 09:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).