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Maggie Smith

Birth Place: Ilford, Essex, ENGLAND

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BIO

Dame Margaret Natalie Smith CH DBE (28 December 1934 – 27 September 2024) was a British actress known for her wit in both comedic and dramatic roles. She had an extensive career on stage and screen for over seven decades and was one of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actresses. She received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for six Olivier Awards. Smith is one of the few performers to earn the Triple Crown of Acting.



Smith began her stage career as a student, performing at the Oxford Playhouse in 1952, and made her professional debut on Broadway in New Faces of '56. Over the following decades Smith established herself alongside Judi Dench as one of the most significant British theatre performers, working for the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. On Broadway, she received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Lettice and Lovage (1990). She was Tony-nominated for Noël Coward's Private Lives (1975) and Tom Stoppard's Night and Day (1979).

Smith won Academy Awards for Best Actress for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978). She was Oscar-nominated for Othello (1965), Travels with My Aunt (1972), A Room with a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001). She portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series (2001–2011). She also acted in Death on the Nile (1978), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), The Secret Garden (1993), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), Quartet (2012) and The Lady in the Van (2015).

Smith received newfound attention and international fame for her role as Violet Crawley in the British period drama Downton Abbey (2010–2015). The role earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards; she had previously won one for the HBO film My House in Umbria (2003). Over the course of her career she was the recipient of numerous honorary awards, including the British Film Institute Fellowship in 1993, the BAFTA Fellowship in 1996 and the Society of London Theatre Special Award in 2010. Smith was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

A German Life A German Life
[West End]
London Production at Bridge Theatre, 2019
Brunhilde Pomsel
Lettice and Lovage
[Broadway]
1990
Lettice Douffet
Night and Day
[Broadway]
1979
Ruth Carson
Private Lives
[Broadway]
1975
Amanda Prynne
Share My Lettuce
[West End]
Original London Production, 1957
Performer
New Faces of 1956
[Broadway]
1956
Woman
Tourist
Steffany
Pura
Nurse
Miss Orange
France
Introduction to "The Broken Kimona"
Harem Houris
Introduction to "A Canful of Trash"
Introduction to "The Pioneer"
Harriet
Introduction to "A Canful of Trash"
France
Harem Houris
Woman
Tourist
Harriet
Steffany
Pura
Introduction to "The Broken Kimona"
Nurse
Miss Orange
Introduction to "The Pioneer"
Performer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2013 - Theatre Icon Award

Maggie Smith

Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Actress

Maggie SmithThe Lady In The Van

Olivier Awards - 1998 - Best Actress

Maggie SmithA Delicate Balance


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1994 - Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress

Maggie Smith Three Tall Women

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Comedy Performance

Maggie SmithThe Importance Of Being Earnest


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actress - Play

Maggie SmithLettice & Lovage


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actress - Play

Maggie Smith, Lettice and Lovage


winner
Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Maggie Smith, Lettice and Lovage

Olivier Awards - 1987 - Actress of the Year

Maggie SmithLettice And Lovage

Olivier Awards - 1985 - Comedy Performance of the Year

Maggie SmithThe Way Of The World


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1984 - Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress

Maggie SmithThe Way of the World


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1981 - Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress

Maggie SmithVirginia

Olivier Awards - 1981 - Actress of the Year in a New Play

Maggie SmithVirginia

Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Maggie Smith, Night and Day

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Maggie Smith, Private Lives


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best Performance

Maggie Smith, Private Lives

Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Maggie Smith , Private Lives


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1970 - Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress

Maggie SmithHedda Gabler


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1962 - Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress

Maggie SmithThe Private Ear


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1962 - Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress

Maggie SmithThe Public Eye

Videos

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News


PRIVATE LIVES by Noël Coward is Coming to Broadway in 2026-2027 Photo
PRIVATE LIVES by Noël Coward is Coming to Broadway in 2026-2027
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025

A new production of PRIVATE LIVES by Noël Coward will be presented on Broadway in the 2026-2027 season. Learn more about PRIVATE LIVES and about the upcoming production.
Babes With Blades Theatre Company to Present New Works Festival FIGHTING WORDS Photo
Babes With Blades Theatre Company to Present New Works Festival FIGHTING WORDS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2025

Babes With Blades Theatre Company's 2025 season will open with an extended run of its new works festival, collectively called Fighting Words. Learn more!
Interview: Anna Holbrook of MOON OVER BUFFALO at Music Theatre Of Connecticut Photo
Interview: Anna Holbrook of MOON OVER BUFFALO at Music Theatre Of Connecticut
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Feb 13, 2025

BroadwayWorld.com had a lovely chat with Anna Holbrook who is co-starring in Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo at the Music Theatre of Connecticut.
Peter Sarsgaard To Lead Martin Crimp's Version Of Molière's THE MISANTHROPE Photo
Peter Sarsgaard To Lead Martin Crimp's Version Of Molière's THE MISANTHROPE
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced the cast for the next offering of Revelation Readings season: The Misanthrope by Molière, a version by Martin Crimp, directed by Marc Vietor.
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Now On Sale At Island City Stage Photo
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Now On Sale At Island City Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 25, 2025

Tickets are selling fast for Island City Stage's milestone production of Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize-winning play A Delicate Balance. In response to popular demand, an additional show has been added on Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Interview: 'Love Makes Every Character a Fool': Andrew Richardson on RSC's A MIDSUMME Photo
Interview: 'Love Makes Every Character a Fool': Andrew Richardson on RSC's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
by Kat Mokrynski - Jan 16, 2025

The RSC’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream has transferred from Stratford-upon-Avon to the Barbican Centre for the winter. Starring Mathew Baynton as Bottom, the Shakespeare comedy tells the tale of four young lovers from Athens who escape into a magical forest where they come face-to-face with the fairy world.
Review: Norm Lewis' THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS Was Exactly That! Photo
Review: Norm Lewis' THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS Was Exactly That!
by Analisa Bell - Dec 24, 2024

Norm Lewis brought his signature charisma and warmth to 54 Below in a performance that left the audience thoroughly enchanted. This show was a true gift, one that will undoubtedly be remembered by everyone lucky enough to witness it!
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Announced At Island City Stage Photo
Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE Announced At Island City Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024

Family secrets, friendship and loyalties drive the heart of Island City Stage's milestone production of Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize-winning play A Delicate Balance, running January 16 – February 9.
HARRY POTTER: THE EXHIBITION Extends and Adds Two New Costumes On Display Photo
HARRY POTTER: THE EXHIBITION Extends and Adds Two New Costumes On Display
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2024

Harry Potter: The Exhibition's Boston run has been extended at CambridgeSide. The exhibition will now close in April 2025. Learn more about the new costumes on display here!
Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at 4th Wall Theatre Company Photo
Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at 4th Wall Theatre Company
by Brett Cullum - Nov 29, 2024

I feel like this company, at this point in time, is simply happy to be here doing this show, and I can say the feeling is infectious. It’s not your typical holiday offering, but you can never be wrong with the wit of Christopher Durang and the magic of invoking the spirit of Maggie Smith. I’m thankful this season for companies like 4th WALL, which produce plays that offer the joy of what theater is all about.
Review Roundup: DEATH BECOMES HER Opens On Broadway Photo
Review Roundup: DEATH BECOMES HER Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 22, 2024

DEATH BECOMES HER comes to life on Broadway tonight as it celebrates its opening at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in a production starring Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams. Did the critics fall under the spell of Broadway's most glamourous new musical? Find out below!
Video: SISTER ACT 2 Cast Performs for Whoopi Goldberg Birthday Tribute Photo
Video: SISTER ACT 2 Cast Performs for Whoopi Goldberg Birthday Tribute
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 13, 2024

Following the Sister Act 2 30th anniversary reunion on The View earlier this year, the original cast has once again reunited to pay tribute to Whoopi Goldberg on her birthday. The cast joined forces to sing 'To Her & Sir With Love'. Watch the video now!
Broadway League Steps Back from Light-Dimming Announcements Following Backlash Photo
Broadway League Steps Back from Light-Dimming Announcements Following Backlash
by Joshua Wright - Nov 5, 2024

The Broadway League will no longer be involved in announcing the traditional dimming of marquee lights that honors the memories of deceased performers, writers, and other influential figures in the Broadway community.
Every Broadway Theatre to Dim Lights in Memory of Dame Maggie Smith Next Week Photo
Every Broadway Theatre to Dim Lights in Memory of Dame Maggie Smith Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 1, 2024

Every Broadway theatre will dim its lights in Maggie Smith's honor. An iconic performer cherished by theatregoers and admired by colleagues around the world, Smith passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89.  
Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Antaeus Theatre Company Photo
Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Antaeus Theatre Company
by Harker Jones - Oct 24, 2024

The Antaeus Theatre Company pulls off another triumph with the enchanting and handsomely mounted Oscar Wilde classic.
NEWSREVUE Returns For A Run At Canal Café Theatre Photo
NEWSREVUE Returns For A Run At Canal Café Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2024

The Guinness World Record- breaking, longest- running, live comedy show on the planet, continues to delight and provide a welcome outlet to audiences at its home in Little Venice with a cast change every 6 weeks throughout the year.   
Joel Harper-Jackson and Sierra Boggess Will Headline I AM HARVEY MILK at Cadogan Hall Photo
Joel Harper-Jackson and Sierra Boggess Will Headline I AM HARVEY MILK at Cadogan Hall
by Stephi Wild - Oct 10, 2024

I AM HARVEY MILK, based on the life of American LGBTQ+ activist, will see the West End’s Joel Harper-Jackson and Broadway’s Sierra Boggess lead a 50 strong choir and 26-piece orchestra for two special performances of Andrew Lippa’s oratorio at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 27 October 2024. 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 10, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 10, 2024
by - Oct 10, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 10, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours: 
Lights of All Broadway Theatres to be Dimmed for Gavin Creel, Adrian Bailey & Maggie Photo
Lights of All Broadway Theatres to be Dimmed for Gavin Creel, Adrian Bailey & Maggie Smith
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 9, 2024

After a public petition and outcry to dim all the lights of Broadway for some recent passings of stage legelends. All Broadway theatres in New York will dim their lights in honor of Adrian Bailey, Gavin Creel, and Maggie Smith.
Video: Dame Maggie Smith Discusses Career with Kathleen Turner in Final Recorded Inte Photo
Video: Dame Maggie Smith Discusses Career with Kathleen Turner in Final Recorded Interview
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 5, 2024

Watch a conversation between Maggie Smith, Kathleen Turner, and host Gyles Brandreth, recorded in April of 2021, which is believed to be Smith's final recorded interview. The pair discussed their stage and film work.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Maggie Smith been in?

Maggie Smith has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Maggie Smith been in?

Maggie Smith has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Maggie Smith's first West End show?

Maggie Smith's first West End show was Share My Lettuce which opened in 1957

What awards has Maggie Smith been nominated for?

Theatre Icon Award (Evening Standard Awards) for , Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for The Lady In The Van, Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for A Delicate Balance , Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress (Evening Standard Awards) for Three Tall Women, Best Comedy Performance (Olivier Awards) for The Importance Of Being Earnest, Best Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lettice & Lovage , Best Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lettice and Lovage, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Lettice and Lovage, Actress of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Lettice And Lovage, Comedy Performance of the Year (Olivier Awards) for The Way Of The World, Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress (Evening Standard Awards) for The Way of the World, Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress (Evening Standard Awards) for Virginia, Actress of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Virginia, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Night and Day, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Private Lives, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Private Lives, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Private Lives, Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress (Evening Standard Awards) for Hedda Gabler, Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress (Evening Standard Awards) for The Private Ear and Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress (Evening Standard Awards) for The Public Eye.

What awards has Maggie Smith won?

Maggie Smith has won several prestigious awards throughout her career. She received the Theatre Icon Award at the Evening Standard Awards. She won the Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress at the Evening Standard Awards for her performances in Three Tall Women, The Way of the World, Virginia, Hedda Gabler, The Private Ear, and The Public Eye. Maggie Smith also earned the Best Actress - Play award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Lettice & Lovage. Additionally, she won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Lettice and Lovage. Furthermore, she received the Best Performance award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Private Lives.

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