Her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in “Harry Potter” captivated a fresh wave of admirers. Daniel Radcliffe thanked her for helping him land his role in the franchise.
“Well, she got me the job at Potter, practically,” Radcliffe said in 2011. “I basically owe everything to Maggie Smith.” Her influence on Harry Potter was significant in both personal and professional fields.
Smith’s portrayal of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess, in “Downton Abbey” strengthened her status as a prominent figure in popular culture. The character’s witty remarks quickly gained popularity among viewers.
Even with her accomplishments, Smith frequently minimized her successes. During a conversation with “ES Magazine”, she revealed that her experiences in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey” did not bring her much fulfillment.
