Dame Maggie Smith, celebrated for her multiple awards and formidable on-stage presence, surprisingly never relished the attention that fame brought her.
Despite having a successful career in theatre and film dating back to the 1960s, she claimed it wasn’t until her role in Downton Abbey that her life was irrevocably altered.
A Star Who Shunned the Spotlight
Known for her iconic roles, Dame Maggie Smith never found joy in the fame that came with them. She once remarked, “I’m never shy on stage, always shy off it,” during a conversation with critic Nancy Banks Smith. She didn’t watch herself in Downton Abbey and famously didn’t attend her first Oscar ceremony. This aversion to the limelight was further expressed in a 2017 British Film Institute interview, where she lamented the inability to walk down the street undisturbed by admirers.
Despite being a celebrated actress since the 1960s, Dame Maggie insisted that she led ‘a perfectly normal life’ until her role in Downton Abbey.
The Impact of Downton Abbey
The ITV drama, which aired from 2010 to 2015, catapulted Dame Maggie to a new level of stardom, something she seemed to regret. The series, beloved worldwide, and the two following films culminated in a level of public recognition she had not experienced before. “It’s ridiculous,” she said of this newfound fame. Before Downton Abbey, she enjoyed visiting theatres and galleries freely, a luxury she felt she lost due to her role.
Her character, Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, was renowned for her sharp and withering one-liners. Despite this, she often found the public recognition overwhelming and stifling.
The Double-Edged Sword of Recognition
Though Dame Maggie appreciated her fans, she found some interactions less pleasant. She enjoyed being recognised for her role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, especially by younger fans. During a 2015 Graham Norton Show interview, she shared how “A lot of very small people used to say hello to me and that was nice.”
This new generation of fans, to whom it seemed she had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, brought her a different kind of joy.
However, she did not always enjoy the constant attention. Fulham Road, she noted, was dodgy enough without being constantly recognised, implying a struggle with the loss of her anonymity.
Colleagues’ First Impressions
Working with Dame Maggie often led to initial trepidation for her colleagues. Lesley Nichol, who played the cook in Downton Abbey, was initially terrified of working with someone of Dame Maggie’s calibre. She feared Dame Maggie would be grand and difficult to approach. Yet, these fears were quickly dispelled.
Nichol found Dame Maggie to be inclusive and friendly, often engaging in games like Bananagrams between takes. Nichol recalled, “She was fearsome at that and really competitive, and really good at it.” This experience revealed Dame Maggie’s down-to-earth and welcoming nature, contrary to her imposing reputation.
A Glint of Mischief
On the Harry Potter set, Dame Maggie was known for her fun and mischief. Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, remembered her as “always hilarious and always kind.” Sharing a dance during filming was a cherished memory for him. This playful side made her beloved among her co-stars.
Despite the fun, filming wasn’t always easy. Dame Maggie recalled a particularly trying time during Harry Potter’s filming, stuck in a trailer in the snow for a week. This experience, shared with others like Miriam Margolyes, was notably unpleasant. Yet, it accentuated her ability to find camaraderie in less-than-ideal circumstances.
The Kindness Behind the Wit
Dame Maggie’s quick wit was well-known, both on and off-screen. Director Nick Hynter described her as having an “extraordinary quick, super intelligent acerbic wit,” yet also being a lot of fun. Even at the receiving end of her sharp tongue, one couldn’t help but laugh.
Miriam Margolyes highlighted Dame Maggie’s kind side, recalling how she ensured Margolyes was brought back for additional filming in Harry Potter, securing her more pay. Despite her acerbic wit, her kindness and generosity shone through, making her an adored colleague and friend.
A Private Persona
Throughout her life, Dame Maggie maintained a famously private persona. She rarely gave interviews and avoided chat shows despite being excellent on them. When she won her first Oscar in 1970, she didn’t attend the ceremony, prioritising her theatre commitment instead. Such actions painted a picture of someone who found the idea of stardom slightly embarrassing.
Her colleagues respected her privacy, recognising it as part of her character. This reserved nature was mirrored in her roles, bringing an authenticity that audiences found captivating.
Dame Maggie Smith’s career, marked by legendary performances, was also defined by her complex relationship with fame.
Despite her reluctant star status, she left an indelible mark on her colleagues and audiences alike, proving that true talent often speaks for itself.
