By Ella Zinken
The world lost a beloved icon on Sept. 27, 2024, as Maggie Smith died at 89, a poignant moment that left fans and fellow actors alike in shock.
Renowned for her commanding presence and unforgettable roles, Smith was a beacon of strength and talent, capturing the hearts of audiences across generations. From her portrayal of the indomitable Violet Crawley to the wise and powerful Minerva McGonagall, Smith brought to life characters that resonated deeply with viewers, inspiring countless individuals along the way.
Cate Gallagher, a psychology major at High Point University, said she grew up watching Harry Potter and resonated strongly with actresses like Smith.
“She was a representation of a strong female in one of my favorite book/movie series as a child, so it is sad news to hear. I definitely feel like I notice time passing a lot more when iconic actors like her [die],” said Gallagher.
Maggie Smith had a commanding on-screen presence, known for her roles as a strong female lead like Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey and Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Her most known role — at least to Americans — was as Minerva McGonagall in the eight-part Harry Potter franchise.
Smith embraced the role, dawning high-necked robes and a tall black hat to play the role of professor of transfiguration at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where she is also the head of Gryffindor House and the deputy headmistress.
With this role, Smith touched the hearts of a generation: everyone who grew up waiting for their Hogwarts letter to come in the mail, everyone who wanted a pet owl, and everyone who tried to run through walls to get onto Platform 9 3/4.
Jessie Tobin, a communication professor at UTampa, said she remembers watching the Harry Potter movies in high school and that the films wouldn’t have been the same without Smith.
“She’s very whimsical,” said Tobin. “She fits into that world like she belongs there.”
Marisa Manhart, a student at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, said that she will miss Smith after watching her in Harry Potter.
“Whenever I would see her on the TV in another movie or show, it felt like I was transported back,” said Manhart. “She’s another legend lost but never forgotten.”
Some of Smith’s fellow actors recently paid tribute to her and her career on Instagram. Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, said that no one would be able to compare to Smith and her impact.
“Thank you for looking after us from literally day one. Thank you for not getting me kicked off the set when I couldn’t stop giggling during your transfiguration class. Thank you for showing us the way. Raise your wands x,” Felton wrote.
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, shared a photo of the pair dancing on set, saying that Smith was “so special, always hilarious and always kind.”
Smith was born on Dec. 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, to Margaret Hutton and Nathaniel Smith and had older twin brothers Alistair and Ian. She went to Oxford High School before leaving to study at Oxford Playhouse. Her first appearance was at age 17, in a 1952 showing of Twelfth Night.
Maggie Smith went on to win two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award and is one of the few performers to earn the Triple Crown of Acting.
Her legacy will live on in the films she poured her heart and soul into.