Maggie Smith: Photos Of The ‘Downton Abbey’ Actress Through Her Life

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Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith — Dame Maggie Smith has had one of the most accomplished careers of any actors in the world. Born in 1934, Maggie kicked off her career on-stage when she was just a teenager at 17 in a 1952 production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The actress’s career continued to much success and she’d appear in more reimagining of The Bard’s greatest works, including in the 1965 film version of Othello. Maggie has continued to star in plenty of acclaimed and beloved movies. She won her first Academy Award in 1970 for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and her second in 1979 for California Suite.’

Maggie continued to captivate audiences of all ages into the new millennium, mostly enchanting a younger audience with her portrayal as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, but she also conquered the TV world with her part as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. The show spawned two movies, including 2022’s A New Era.

Scroll through our gallery to check out photos of Dame Maggie Smith from throughout her career.

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‘Othello’

‘Othello’ — Maggie Smith was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Desdemona in ‘Othello.’ She would star in other Shakespeare movies including a 1967 TV adaptation of ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’

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‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’

‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ — Maggie Smith stunned in the title role for the film ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.’ She won an Oscar for her excellent performance.

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‘Oh! What a Lovely War’

‘Oh! What a Lovely War’ — Maggie Smith starred in tons of movies, including ‘Oh! What a Lovely War.’ She looked gorgeous as a music hall dancer.

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‘Sister Act’

‘Sister Act’ — Maggie Smith showed off her wide range in 1992 when she appeared in the musical comedy ‘Sister Act.’ Alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Magge played the nun Mother Superior.

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‘Downton Abbey’

‘Downton Abbey’ — One of Maggie Smith’s rare TV roles came in the 2010s. She played Violet Crawley in the acclaimed ‘Downton Abbey,’ which she has won three Primetime Emmys for.

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Maggie Smith in 2016

Maggie Smith in 2016 — Maggie Smith looked stunning at the 2016 London Film Awards. She rocked a blue jacket to the ceremony.

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Maggie Smith At The ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Premiere

Maggie Smith At The ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Premiere — Dame Maggie Smith was all smiles as she arrived for the ‘Downton Abbey’ film premiere in September 2019. She sported a red top for the event!

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Maggie Smith in 2019

Maggie Smith in 2019 — Maggie Smith looked elegant as she arrived for the Evening Standard Theater Awards. She rocked a black blazer over a white top for the event.

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Maggie Smith In Downton Abbey

Maggie Smith In Downton Abbey — ‘Downton Abbey’ is a celebrated show, which has had two film sequels. Here, Laura Carmichael (Lady Hexham) is seen with Maggie Smith as The Dowager Countess of Grantham (in pink, with a cane) in a 2019 scene from the series. Also pictured is Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham, Allen Leech as Tom Branson and Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Grantham.

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Maggie Smith At The 2021 Chelsea Flower Show

Maggie Smith At The 2021 Chelsea Flower Show — In full bloom! Dame Maggie Smith is chic in a peach jacket and navy ensemble during the 2021 Chelsea Flower Show in London on Sep. 20, 2021

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Maggie Smith At Wimbledon 2022

Maggie Smith At Wimbledon 2022 — Dame Maggie Smith enjoyed the view from seats in the Royal Box for Wimbledon 2022. She wore pearls and a blue dress for the women’s singles final on Jul. 9, 2022.

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