The late Maggie Smith gave an unforgettable performance in the Period Drama series, ‘Downtown Abbey’.

It is a painful moment for worldwide cinema fans as Dame Maggie Smith passed away at 89. The British theater and film legend had a celebrated career decorated with 2 Oscars and many other popular accolades. While most fans would know her as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, she gave a more memorable performance in the Downtown Abbey television series.

The late Maggie Smith in Downtown Abbey | Credits: Carnival Films

The late Maggie Smith made her foray into acting very early in 1956. Her expertise in the craft made her one of the most renowned British names. She also won 2 Oscars for Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Best Supporting Actress in California Suite. However, none of her works went as underappreciated as her role as Violet Crawley in Downtown Abbey.

The late Maggie Smith’s work in Downtown Abbey will be remembered for ages

Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley in Downtown Abbey | Credits: Carnival Films

When the first Harry Potter film was released in 2001, fans were baffled to see Maggie Smith‘s portrayal of the Hogwarts Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall. She looked straight out of the J.K. Rowling novels and became insanely famous in modern pop culture.

Fast forward to 2010, Maggie Smith raised headlines again for her performance as Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the ITV series Downtown Abbey. Her work as a witty and influential matriarch was brilliant and brought her to the attention of a new audience.

Although not many fans talk about Violet Crawley as much as Professor McGonagall, the Downtown Abbey character left a lasting impact. The character delivered some of the most iconic dialogues in television like “What is a weekend?“, “I never argue, I explain“, and “Don’t be defeatist, dear, it’s very middle class“.

The late Dame Smith perfectly channeled the energy that was desired to present Violet Crawley as the most influential and strongest lady despite her age. Smith’s talent made her the most fan-favorite character in Downtown Abbey and her witty lines are still quoted across the internet.

Downtown Abbey‘s creator and writer Julian Fellowes said on NPR’s Fresh Air that the Hook actress skillfully added numerous aspects to Crawley’s character. According to him, any other actress would have badly failed to bring out the “kind and cruel” sides simultaneously on-screen.

After the series concluded with 52 seasons, Maggie Smith also reprised her roles in the two Downtown Abbey films. 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era gave a beautiful sendoff to Violet Crawley’s character. Although the makers are set to release an untitled third Downtown Abbey film in 2025, fans strongly believe that the Downtown world will not be the same without the Dowager.

Maggie Smith claimed that her iconic roles were not very satisfying

Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Even after the worldwide popularity of Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey, surprisingly, the late Maggie Smith did not feel them to be very satisfying. Despite providing fan-favorite performances, Smith asserted that she did not feel she was acting in Harry Potter or Downtown Abbey.

According to an interview with U.K.’s ES Magazine (via The Guardian) in 2019, Maggie Smith said:

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.

While the 5 times BAFTA winner became a role model for her longevity in the industry, her honest thoughts on her roles also dictated her dedication to the craft. BBC reported that the actress passed away peacefully on the morning of September 27. She left behind her two sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin along with five grandchildren.

Rest in Peace Maggie Smith. You will always be missed.