The world of cinema bade farewell to Dame Maggie Smith on Friday, mourning the passing of the versatile actress who lent a distinctive aura to each character she portrayed on the stage and the screen. We celebrate her memory by revisiting eight of her iconic roles in films and shows.

Desdemona in Othello (1965)

Early on in her career, Smith played a Shakespearean heroine in Othello directed by Laurence Olivier. She delivered a remarkable performance as Desdemona, the tragic heroine caught in a web of love, jealousy and betrayal. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless play features Smith opposite Olivier, who played the titular character. Desdemona is a woman deeply in love with Othello, defying societal norms to marry him, a Moor and an outsider. Smith imbues her character with an unwavering conviction and loyalty, making Desdemona a figure of both passion and tragedy. Smith’s performance in Othello earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.

Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

Smith’s portrayal of Miss Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) remains one of her most iconic roles, earning her an Oscar for best actress. In the Ronald Neame-directed film, based on Muriel Spark’s novel, Smith plays a passionate and unconventional teacher at a 1930s Edinburgh girls’ school. Her character, filled with contradictions, promotes beauty and art while idolising fascist leaders. Smith masterfully blends charm and menace, capturing Brodie’s fierce independence, eccentricity and authoritarian streak. Her performance is a captivating study of a flawed, complex individual who deeply influences her students’ lives.

Augusta Bertram in Travels with My Aunt (1972)

In George Cukor’s Travels with My Aunt, Smith delivered a captivating performance as the whimsical and eccentric Augusta Bertram who accompanies her nephew, the recently retired Henry Pulling (Alec McCowen), on an adventurous journey across Europe. From the moment she appears on screen, Smith’s eccentricity and larger-than-life personality command attention. Augusta is a free-spirited woman who embodies a zest for life that contrasts sharply with her nephew’s more reserved and mundane existence. Smith infuses the character with a delightful charm, seamlessly blending humour and drama as she guides Henry through a series of unexpected escapades across Europe.

Diana Barrie in California Suite (1978)

Smith added another Oscar to her illustrious career with her role in California Suite, a film adaptation of Neil Simon’s popular play directed by Herbert Ross. The actress played Diana Barrie, a talented but insecure actress nominated for an Oscar, but grappling with the likelihood of not winning. Diana arrives in Hollywood with her husband, Sidney Cochran (Michael Caine), who is a closeted gay man, adding tension to their already strained relationship. Smith’s Diana is outwardly glamorous and witty, a woman who seems to take everything in stride. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that behind her dry humour and sharp one-liners lies a deep vulnerability. She delivers them with a lightness that keeps the audience laughing, even as they feel her character’s pain.

Charlotte Bartlett in A Room with a View (1985)

In James Ivory-directed A Room with a View, Smith plays Charlotte Bartlett, a chaperone accompanying her cousin Lucy (Helena Bonham Carter) during a vacation in Florence. Bartlett is a woman bound by societal norms, deeply concerned with propriety, and she constantly vacillates between attempting to control Lucy’s burgeoning feelings and navigating her own sense of responsibility. What could have easily been a one-note character became a nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating the constraints of Edwardian society in Smith’s hands. She plays Charlotte with an amusing mix of exasperation and insecurity, with her every gesture reflecting the weight of her responsibilities as a chaperone.

Constance in Gosford Park (2001)

In Robert Altman’s Gosford Park, Smith delivers a masterclass in wit and aristocratic elegance as Constance, Countess of Trentham. Set in the 1930s, the film revolves around a murder mystery at a country estate, and Smith’s character adds a sharp-tongued, comedic flair to the upstairs-downstairs dynamics. With biting sarcasm and impeccable timing, she steals every scene. Smith’s portrayal of the snobbish, yet oddly endearing Countess earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.

Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

Smith’s portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series became an iconic role for new generations. As the stern but fair transfiguration professor, Smith brought both gravitas and warmth to the character. Her presence elevated the series, making McGonagall one of the most beloved figures in the wizarding world. Smith’s ability to connect with audiences, whether in small moments of humour or grand displays of bravery, made her portrayal unforgettable.

Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

Smith found renewed fame on the small screen as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey. Her sharp tongue, impeccable delivery and the emotional depth she brought to the role made her an international sensation. The Dowager Countess quickly became a fan favourite, with her quips and barbs offering both comic relief and poignant wisdom. While this role came late in her career, it serves as a reminder of Smith’s unparalleled ability to dominate the screen regardless of the medium.