The Most Memorable Roles Which Maggie Smith Has Played Throughout Her Career

Maggie Smith has acted in such a wide variety of parts throughout the years that she has never failed to wow viewers. The British actress made a name for herself by showing a wide range of emotions and exploring dramatic character development in stage plays and big movie productions.

Smith has cited her lack of interest in fame as the reason why she has no desire to be famous, despite the many honors she has gotten over the years for her work.

During a rare interview with 60 Minutes in February 2013, she said, “I don’t feel any different to the way I felt before, and I’m not quite sure what [being a star] means.”

The list of Maggie Smith‘s Most Memorable Roles Throughout the Years is provided below.

Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter

In the legendary film franchise based on J. K. Rowling’s book series, Smith portrayed a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The movie versions were released between 2001 and 2011.

Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess Of Grantham in Downton Abbey

For her performance as Violet Crawley on Downton Abbey, the British-born actress took home three Emmys and her first Golden Globe. The series aired between 2010 and 2015.

Charlotte Bartlett in A Room With A View

Alongside her Harry Potter co-star Helena Bonham Carter, Smith played the scene-stealing Charlotte Bartlett in the romantic drama in 1985.

Reverend Mother in the Sister Act Franchise

Reverend Mother started out as more of an antagonist in Sister Act, but she transformed significantly along with Whoopi Goldberg’s character, Sister Mary Clarence.

Diana Barrie in California Suite

Smith portrayed the part of an actress trying to win an Oscar, but ironically, she actually won the award for her portrayal of Diana Barrie in 1978.

Muriel Donnelly in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Smith plays a housekeeper who comes to a hotel to get a hip operation in the 2011 comedy-drama. Due to how well The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was received, she later played the same part in the follow-up movie.

Augusta Bertram in Travels With My Aunt

Smith received a nomination for an Oscar for her performance in the 1972 movie Travels With My Aunt.

Constance Trentham in Gosford Park

Smith had a remarkable performance in the dark comedy mystery film that was released in 2001. The film examined a murder that took place at a dinner party that was attended by a large number of rich people. It was initially intended for Downton Abbey to be a spinoff of the show Gosford Park, which the actress would later go on to star in.

Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie

Smith won two Academy Awards for the film, which was about a disorderly teacher at an all-girls school and the film came out in 1969.

Mrs. Mabel Pettigrew in Memento Mori

In the 1992 TV movie, Smith had the chance to shine as the villain.