Maggie Smith’s Iconic Role: Professor McGonagall’s Impact

Dame Maggie Smith, one of the most revered actresses of her generation, passed away in 2024, but her legacy continues to shine through her incredible body of work. Smith’s acting career, spanning over six decades, left an indelible mark on both stage and screen.

Among her achievements are two Academy Awards and countless other accolades. But even in her later years, Smith continued to captivate audiences and remained a powerful force at the box office, with her final five films grossing more than $400 million globally.

Smith’s career saw an extraordinary peak with her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the globally successful Harry Potter series, which grossed over $7 billion worldwide. Despite this, her post-Harry Potter era demonstrated that her star power was far from waning. Her last five films alone amassed over $433 million.

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Dame Maggie’s Last 5 Films

1. The Miracle Club (2023)

Smith’s final film, The Miracle Club, was a heartwarming story about friendship and faith, set in Ireland. Although a smaller release than blockbuster films, it still grossed a respectable $7.7 million globally. The film featured a stellar cast, including Kathy Bates and Laura Linney, and resonated with audiences due to its strong emotional core and touching performances.

2. Downton Abbey: The New Era (2022)

Smith reprised her beloved role as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey: The New Era. The film, which built on the success of the Downton Abbey television series and its previous film, grossed $92 million worldwide. Smith’s sharp wit and commanding presence once again stole the show, contributing significantly to the film’s success.

3. Downton Abbey (2019)

The 2019 Downton Abbey film marked the transition of the popular TV show to the big screen. Fans were eager to see Smith’s Dowager Countess in action again, and the film did not disappoint, grossing $194 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. Smith’s performance was widely praised, and her sharp, cutting humor provided many of the film’s most memorable moments.

4. Sherlock Gnomes (2018)

In the animated film Sherlock Gnomes, Smith lent her voice to the character Lady Bluebury. Although primarily aimed at younger audiences, the film still managed to gross $97.4 million globally. Smith’s ability to transcend genres and connect with diverse audiences was once again on display.

5. The Lady in the Van (2015)

Smith’s portrayal of Miss Mary Shepherd in The Lady in the Van was another highlight of her late career. Based on a true story, the film centered around an eccentric elderly woman who has lived in a van parked in a man’s driveway for 15 years.

It grossed $42.3 million globally and earned critical acclaim for Smith’s performance, which was both funny and deeply moving.

Maggie Smith’s Last Five Films & Box Office Performance

Smith’s ability to navigate both high drama and lighthearted comedy with equal brilliance is a testament to her versatility as an actress.

From her acerbic portrayal of Violet Crawley to her tender performance in The Miracle Club, Smith’s final films reinforced her status as a box office draw and beloved figure in the entertainment world.

Even as she aged, she remained relevant and celebrated, grossing hundreds of millions and winning the hearts of new generations of fans.

Beyond the financial success of her films, Smith’s cultural impact is immeasurable. She will forever be remembered for her impeccable timing, commanding stage presence, and ability to convey a spectrum of emotions with subtlety and grace.

Although she may no longer be with us, her work will undoubtedly continue to be cherished by audiences for years to come.

Dame Maggie’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Dame Maggie Smith’s net worth is estimated to be between $20 million and $40 million. The variance in reported figures reflects her long-standing and successful career across theater, television, and film.

Maggie Smith earned significant wealth from iconic roles such as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. In addition to her acting income, her wealth is bolstered by real estate investments, including properties in Belgravia, London, and the Cotswolds.

Her net worth is a reflection of her enduring influence in the entertainment industry, where she has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success throughout her six-decade career.

Iconic Roles Of All Time

Dame Maggie Smith’s most prominent and commercially successful film role is arguably Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. Spanning from 2001 to 2011, her portrayal of

McGonagall across all eight films became iconic, contributing significantly to the series’ global success. The Harry Potter films grossed over $7.7 billion at the worldwide box office, making it one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time​.

In her role as the stern but caring Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts, Smith brought depth and gravitas to the character, blending authority with warmth. Her performance was widely praised for capturing McGonagall’s no-nonsense demeanor and fierce loyalty to her students.

The series elevated Smith to global stardom, especially among younger audiences, ensuring her lasting legacy as part of one of the most beloved film franchises in history.

Recognition Through Multiple Awards

Dame Maggie Smith’s most iconic award is her Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969). This role showcased her talent for complex character portrayals and established her as a leading figure in cinema.

Smith won a second Oscar in 1979 for Best Supporting Actress in California Suite, making her one of the few actors to have won multiple Academy Awards across different categories.

These wins cemented her place in cinematic history, with her Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Oscar often considered the peak of her film career.

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Future Roles

Dame Maggie Smith passed away in 2024, and her final major role was in The Miracle Club (2023), where she starred alongside Kathy Bates and Laura Linney.

Prior to her passing, Smith was also well-known for reprising her iconic character, Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess, in Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). There were no further announced upcoming roles for Smith before her death.

Conclusion

• Dame Maggie Smith’s career is a testament to her incredible talent, versatility, and staying power in the entertainment industry.
• From her iconic portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series to her multiple award-winning performances, she captivated audiences across generations.
• Her ability to bring depth, humor, and gravitas to various roles made her one of the most revered actresses in film and theater.
• Even in her final years, Smith delivered powerful performances, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future actors and entertain audiences for years to come.

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