3 Movies of Dame Maggie Smith Where She Blew Her Minerva McGonagall’s Role Out of Water
- Maggie Smith wasn’t just Professor Minerva McGonagall; her talent goes way beyond that.
- Her roles spanned from playing the Reverend Mother to the emotional depth of Judith Hearne.
- The actress expertly blended comedy and drama, leaving an unforgettable mark on cinema.
The world feels a little dimmer today as we mourn the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, who left us at the age of 89. With a career spanning over seven decades, she was a beacon of talent and grace.
And we are here to celebrate this amazing Hollywood legend! This British actress was like a fine wine—she just got better with age. From her first Broadway gig in the 1950s to iconic roles in movies and TV, she did it all.
Think of those sharp-tongued English ladies with the perfect comeback—that was Maggie Smith. Whether she was casting spells as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter or serving up sass as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, she owned the screen. But Smith was so much more than that.
Dame Maggie Smith Stands Out Beyond Minerva McGonagall’s Magic
Here, we’re not just skimming the surface; we’re jumping into Maggie Smith’s best works.
1. Travels with My Aunt (1972)
In her late 30s, Maggie Smith was already on her way to becoming the ultimate cool older relative we all love. In this quirky flick, she completely owned the role of Augusta Bertram.
Augusta is a wild globe-trotter who claims Henry Pulling (Alec McCowen) as her nephew. She drags him into her shady money-making schemes while keeping the truth on the down low.
Through flashbacks, we get to see how she broke free from boring norms and started living life her way. Seriously, she made this character larger than life and super relatable! Her iconic performance also earned her a third Oscar nod in 1973.
2. The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987)
This one hits differently. In this film, Smith played Judith Hearne, an alcoholic piano teacher living alone in a Dublin boarding house, hoping for love that feels just out of reach.
She clings to the hope that she’ll meet and marry her dream guy. It’s raw and emotional, and the iconic British star totally killed it, showing all the struggles of feeling lonely and lost.
You can’t help but root for her as she deals her tough life, filled with disappointment and dreams. It’s a heavy watch, but Smith’s performance was so real that you’ll be moved in ways you didn’t expect. Seriously, grab some tissues!
3. Sister Act (1992)
This is a classic feel-good flick! The actress played the Reverend Mother, a no-nonsense nun who totally makes life difficult for Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg). Deloris is hiding out in a struggling convent after being a key witness in a trial.
At first, Smith’s character is super strict, but as the story goes on, we see her softer side come through. The banter between her and Deloris is hilarious, and The Miracle Club star knew how to balance the laughs with heartfelt moments.
You’ll find yourself cheering for the nuns as they find their groove, and Smith’s performance brought so much warmth to the whole energy.
