10 fun and interesting Maggie Smith facts

1. Maggie Smith's McGonagall in Harry Potter Praised

Maggie Smith's portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies has been one of her most acclaimed roles to date. Her performance as the strict but caring head of Gryffindor house was met with much praise from both fans and critics alike, and has become one of the most iconic characters in the Harry Potter franchise. Smith's portrayal of McGonagall has been so successful that it has become one of her most beloved and memorable roles.

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2. From Margaret Natalie to Beloved British Star

Maggie Smith, the beloved British actress, was born Margaret Natalie Smith. She had originally wanted to use Margaret Smith as her stage name, but unfortunately, there was already another actress using that name. After some consideration, she decided to go with Maggie Smith instead, and the rest is history.

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3. One of the most beloved British actresses of all time

Maggie Smith is one of the most beloved British actresses of all time, having been voted the 10th-greatest film actress in Britain in an Orange Film Survey in 2001. Joining her on the list were fellow Potter film stars Emma Thompson and Julie Walters, further cementing the legacy of the beloved franchise. Smith's career has spanned over six decades, with her iconic roles in films such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Gosford Park, and the Harry Potter series.

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4. Legendary Accomplishment in Film

Maggie Smith is a legendary actress who has achieved a remarkable feat in the film industry. She is one of only a few actresses to have won a Best Actress award before winning a Best Supporting Actress award. This is a testament to her immense talent and versatility as an actress, as she has been able to excel in both leading and supporting roles. Her awards include two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.

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5. Maggie Smith honored with "Avenue of Stars"

Maggie Smith was one of the first hundred stars to be honored on the British equivalent of Hollywood's "Walk of Fame", known as the "Avenue of Stars". This prestigious honor was bestowed upon her in recognition of her immense contribution to the entertainment industry. The Avenue of Stars is located in London's West End and is a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors coming to admire the stars' handprints and signatures. Maggie Smith's star is a testament to her long and successful career, and a reminder of her lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

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6. Maggie Smith Stars in "Secret" Movies

Maggie Smith is an acclaimed actress who has starred in three movies with the word "secret" in their titles: "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood", and "The Secret Garden". Her performance in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" as Professor Minerva McGonagall earned her a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress, while her role in "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Her portrayal of Mrs. Medlock in "The Secret Garden" was also highly praised.

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7. Maggie Smith Reunites With Daniel Radcliffe in David Copperfield

Maggie Smith, the beloved actress who starred as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, reunited with her co-star Daniel Radcliffe in the 1999 adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, David Copperfield. Smith played the role of Betsey Trotwood, the eccentric aunt of the titular character, while Radcliffe portrayed the young David Copperfield. The film was a critical success, with Smith's performance being praised by critics and audiences alike.

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8. Dame Maggie Smith Honored in UK

Maggie Smith was bestowed with the prestigious title of "Dame" in Britain, the female equivalent of being knighted. This honor is one of the highest accolades a woman can receive in the United Kingdom, and is a testament to Smith's immense talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.

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9. Maggie Smith Shares Dressing Room With Two Iconic Actresses

When filming the classic mystery movie "Death on the Nile", the production team had to make the difficult decision to have the stars share dressing rooms. Maggie Smith, the beloved British actress, ended up sharing her dressing room with two of the most iconic stars of the time - Bette Davis and Angela Lansbury. It must have been an incredible experience for Maggie to be able to share such a small space with two of the most famous actresses of the era.

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10. Maggie Smith, the Harry Potter actress, is a septuagenarian

Maggie Smith, the beloved actress who portrayed Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies, is a septuagenarian herself, which likely contributed to her perfect portrayal of the character. Her age and experience allowed her to bring a unique depth and understanding to the role, making her performance truly unforgettable.