Actress Maggie Smith – Minerva from the Harry Potter films – has died

Actress Maggie Smith, known to Russian viewers for her roles in the Harry Potter films and the Downton Abbey TV series, has died in Great Britain. She was 89 years old.

Maggie Smith began her stage career as a student and worked in theater and cinema for more than 70 years. She started as a comedic actress, but soon her role expanded noticeably. Roles in the British National Theater and the Royal Shakespeare Theater made her one of the most recognizable actresses in Great Britain. Smith also performed a lot in the USA, in the theater on Broadway.

In addition to the theater, from 1956 to 2023, Smith starred in more than 60 films and more than 20 television productions. She succeeded both in classical roles, for example in Shakespeare’s plays, and in modern and fantasy parts. Smith was in demand by directors, regardless of her age. Already after 65 years, she played several of her most memorable roles: the professor of magic Minerva Smith in the Harry Potter films and Violet Crowley in the series “Downton Abbey”.

Maggie Smith is the owner of many theatrical and cinematographic prizes and awards. Among them are seven awards of the British Film Academy BAFTA, four “Emmies”, three “Golden Globes”, five awards of the British Actors Guild. In 1970, she received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and in 1990 – a knighthood.