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Maggie Smith, beloved for her iconic role in the Harry Potter films, passed away on September 27 at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in acting.
Which movie won Maggie Smith her first Oscar?
One of her most celebrated performances was in the 1969 drama The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which earned her the first of two Academy Awards. Directed by Ronald Neame with a screenplay by Jay Presson Allen, the film is set in the 1930s in Edinburgh. Smith played the lead role of Jean Brodie, a forward-thinking teacher at Marcia Blaine School, who often goes beyond the standard curriculum. Brodie’s character controversially romanticizes fascist leaders like Benito Mussolini and Francisco Franco and influences a group of impressionable young girls, whom she refers to as her “Brodie Set.” These four girls, Jenny, Sandy, Monica, and Mary, are central to the story as they fall under Brodie’s strong, charismatic influence.
While Brodie and her students frequently enjoy outings to museums, theatres, and picnics, her unconventional teaching methods draw the ire of the school’s headmistress, Emmaline Mackay, portrayed by Celia Johnson. However, Brodie finds support in the music teacher and choirmaster, Gordon Lowther, played by Gordon Jackson.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was nominated for two Academy Awards—Best Song and Best Actress, with Maggie Smith taking home the latter for her outstanding performance.
News of Maggie Smith’s passing was shared by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens. In a statement, they said, “She passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning, Friday, 27 September.”
Many well-known figures from the acting world, including Michael Caine, Whoopi Goldberg, Hugh Bonneville, and Daniel Radcliffe, paid tribute to the legendary actress. King Charles and Queen Camilla also shared a heartfelt message, saying, “As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances.”
Throughout her career, Maggie Smith won two Oscars and eight BAFTAs, cementing her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.