Dame Maggie Smith has passed away aged 89. As Sophie Dianne remembers her roles including Mother Superior in Sister Act, she considers the faith of the much-loved actress.
Acclaimed actor Maggie Smith died last week at a London hospital, a statement read, “an intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.”
Originally from Essex, she was born in 1934, the youngest of three and named after her mother. When she was four, the family moved to Oxford to be closer to the university where her father worked as a pathologist. Smith would attend the local school until she decided to pursue acting at the age of 16, choosing to enroll at the Oxford Playhouse. Before too long, she made her professional debut in 1952, playing Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
In 1970, Smith received her first Oscar for her portrayal of the idealistic, unorthodox teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. It would be nine years before she’d receive her next award, a BAFTA for her performance in California Suite.
Among her many accolades, was a Tony Award for her role in the play Lettice and Lovage in 1990
Among her many accolades, was a Tony Award for her role in the play Lettice and Lovage in 1990. This would prove to be a defining decade for the actress as it demonstrated her range; it would see her don period dress for the ensemble drama Tea with Mussolini, along side her friend, fellow Dame Judy Dench.
She would take another trip to the States for her role in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and of course make her debut as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. From 2010, Smith earned acclaim for her performance as the irrepressible Lady Violet Crawley, in Downton Abbey.
She would reprise this role for two films of the same name; and receive 3 Golden Globes. Smith’s later years would afford her credit in numerous films, including; The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel franchise and a starring role in the comedy-drama The Lady in the Van. Since her passing, tributes have poured in, with the King calling Smith a “national treasure.”
According to the Belief Network, Smith’s faith has remained a quiet but steady presence
According to the Belief Network, Smith’s faith has remained a quiet but steady presence; she was raised in a Christian home and maintained a personal connection with God throughout her life. Although she rarely spoke publicly about her religious beliefs, Smith’s close family and friends were said to have described her as being ‘a women who valued spirituality,’ someone who found comfort in her Christian faith, particularly during dark times.
In 2007 Smith became more vocal about the importance of faith, crediting her belief in God with giving her the strength to overcome health issues. She sought out solace in prayer and meditation when she received a breast cancer diagnosis.
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However subtle, Smith’s belief system was often reflected in the characters she chose to play, one such example was the 1982 film The Missionary. Donning a corset once more, she would play Lady Isabel Ames, a woman tasked with funding an outreach project for local prostitutes. The film was a comic affair that shone light on an otherwise challenging issue and saw Smith sharing her faith on screen. Another example being Sister Act were she played the stoic Mother Superior, a film that would see the role of nuns challenged.
Dame Maggie Smith influenced the lives of multiple generations. She was a distinguished actress and a female power house who didn’t suffer fools. Known for kindness she will remain in the hearts of many, a testament to her faith and personality.
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