Maggie Smith, 89, looked unrecognisable during her early career
Acclaimed actress Dame Maggie Smith died this year at the age of 89. She would have turned 90 years old on December 28 but tragically she passed away in September.
At the time, her two sons said in a statement: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Dame Maggie’s career began in the mid 1950s, and went on on to appear in over 60 films and 70 plays. The star won two Academy Awards, seven BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
In 1990, the prolific British actress was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the Arts.
Dame Maggie was probably best known for portraying the iconic Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series between 2001 and 2011.
She also took on the memorable role of Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, on Downton Abbey between 2010 and 2015.
In 1969, the star won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of an idealistic, unorthodox schoolteacher in the 1969 film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
She went on to win another Oscar in 1978 for Best Supporting Actress, after her performance in the film California Suite.
In recent years, Dame Maggie has also appeared in Alan Bennett’s 2015 film The Lady in the Van, and in 1992’s iconic movie Sister Act.
Dame Maggie Smith in 1958
Dame Maggie Smith starred in the 1958 film Nowhere to Go opposite George Nader.
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Dame Maggie Smith in 1964
Dame Maggie Smith starred in the theatrical production of Noel Coward’s Hay Fever.
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Dame Maggie Smith in 1965
Dame Maggie Smith starred as Beatrice in the Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing.
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Dame Maggie Smith in 1965
Dame Maggie Smith also starred in the 1965 film Young Cassidy.
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Dame Maggie Smith in 1967
Dame Maggie Smith posing for her portrait ahead of the 1967 film The Honey Pot.
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Dame Maggie Smith in 1968
Dame Maggie Smith was pictured dressed down for her role in the film Hot Millions.
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Dame Maggie Smith in 1969
Dame Maggie Smith for her Oscar-winning film performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
(Image: Dame Maggie Smith)
Dame Maggie Smith in 1972
Dame Maggie Smith pictured here in the 1972 film Travels with my Aunt.
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Dame Maggie Smith in 1979
Dame Maggie Smith can be seen here holding a photograph of American actress Alice Ghostley accepting the Academy Award for Best Actress on her behalf for her role in the film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
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