In the 1950’s, her acting career began at the Oxford playhouse. By the 1960’s, Maggie Smith was a fixture of the Royal National Theater where she received rave notices for her portrayal of Desdemona in Othello opposite Sir Laurence Olivier. In 1965, Smith recreated the role on film, earning her first Academy Award nomination. Her first Oscar win came in 1969 for her turn in the title role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in which she portrayed a headstrong Scottish schoolteacher. In 1978, she would win another Oscar for her a comedic role in California Suite. From that point on, Smith was regarded as one of Britain’s finest actresses and one of the cinema’s most sought-after performers. For her influence on the British theater, Smith was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1970, promoted to Dame of the British Empire in 1990.
A breast cancer survivor, Smith continues to be active in television, theater and film. She’s signed on for a second season of ITV’s successful Downton Abbey and has a variety of other projects on the horizon. For her contributions to entertainment and the wit and grace with which she carries herself, Dame Maggie Smith is our “Person of the Week.”
Enjoy this clip of Dame Maggie with Bette Davis in 1978's Death on the Nile.
2 comments:
Nice tribute. She's definitely the most talented actress in the world, although she doesn't behave like a star. Still very beautiful in her 70's, clever, classy, she's a dazzling lady who masters perfectly her art. I do wish that she'll change her pessimistic mind and return to the stage. She is the best and the success of her Downton Abbey's part proves we all want to see her in more more roles !!!
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