Behind the magic: Maggie Smith opens up about her true feelings when it comes to her iconic roles.

The Harry Potter films were absolutely magical and the cast members had a huge role in making them so. Every single character was so perfectly cast that it would often be difficult to know where the actor ends and where the character begins. From Maggie Smith’s Professor McGonagall to Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger, all these characters hold a special part in our hearts.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) | Warner Bros. Pictures
However, Maggie Smith once revealed that she didn’t find her role as Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor, to be satisfying. She simply didn’t feel as if she was really acting in Harry Potter as well as the historical drama, Downton Abbey. The actress also complained about having to wear huge and heavy hats for her role as Minerva.

Maggie Smith Has Complaints About Two of Her Iconic Roles

Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey (2010 – 2015) | Carnival Films
Apart from Harry Potter, Maggie Smith’s filmography includes yet another iconic and unforgettable role – Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. However, as legendary as these roles may be, Smith always felt like something was missing. Meaning, she was not completely satisfied by either Harry Potter or Downton Abbey.

I am deeply grateful for the work in Potter and indeed Downton, but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel I was acting in those things.

As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, this comment was nothing short of a punch to the gut. However, it is important to note that Smith was not foul-mouthing her time on the two projects. She simply didn’t feel content as an actor.

Smith also added that she and Alan Rickman, may he rest in peace, used to joke around about how their roles in the franchise almost entirely consisted of reaction shots. The actress stated that theatre was her favorite medium and the only reason she hopped onto screen roles was because the work she wanted to do in theatre was just not happening.

I wanted to get back to the stage so much because theatre is basically my favorite medium, and I think I felt as though I’d left it all unfinished. But there wasn’t anything that came along.

Smith has worked across mediums – film, television, and theatre – which makes her one of the most accomplished actresses today. She has been recognized for her brilliant work over and over again and is the proud recipient of two Oscars, four Emmys, three Golden Globes, and so much more. Smith also went back to the Harry Potter franchise in the video game Hogwarts Mystery where she voiced McGonagall.

Maggie Smith Was Not a Fan of the Witch’s Hat

Maggie Smith in the Harry Potter franchise | Warner Bros. Pictures
Whenever someone dresses up as a witch, a tall pointy hat and a long robe are some of the basic requirements for it. Smith was no exception to the rule as she had to don the perfect witch attire for her Harry Potter role. However, wearing those huge hats was not an easy task.

According to her, the hats were the most exhausting part of the role. She stated (via Evening Standard),

I used to find the most exhausting thing was wearing those hats. They’re the heaviest things in the world. I had a hat, it was like the Albert Hall, it was huge and so heavy. I was in the snow for about a week with that daft hat on my head for Harry Potter and sitting in that trailer day after day and not being used – that doesn’t make you feel too jolly.

Smith did add that she was not the only one who was “moaning” about the difficulties that came with working on the films.

But there were other people in the trailer also moaning, like Miriam Margolyes. You’re not alone when you moan.

Actress Miriam Margolyes played the role of Professor Sprout, the loveable Head of the Herbology Department over at Hogwarts. The actress, too, had a lot to say to the fans of Harry Potter as she gave them a harsh reality check.

You can stream all Harry Potter films on Max or Peacock Premium and Downton Abbey on Prime Video.