In conversation with Maggie Smith: "I led a perfectly normal life until Downton Abbey" | BFI

Dame Maggie Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham in ITV's costume drama, talks to Mark Lawson about why her character should be killed off, forgetting which film she's shooting on and why she was considered "too common" to appear in plays at school. This event, which was called Dame Maggie Smith in Conversation, was held as part of the BFI + Radio Times TV festival, which took place in April.
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[@christineredding8676]

Does she realize that she herself is a major reason WHY "Downton Abbey " is such a success?

[@chelseapoet3664]

I ran into Maggie Smith in my neighbourhood. She was carrying two heavy looking shopping bags and I offered to carry them for her. She said with a smile "that's terribly kind of you, thank you so much, but I will be fine". I've always admired her.

[@catguy4996]

Maggie Smith acting as Professor McGonagall was one of the best acting choices in history.

[@kate2create738]

My favorite thing about Maggie is how she delivers her lines, it's never over dramatic nor too comedic, but genuine. Rare acting these days.

[@kleec0203]

Best character in Downton Abbey. Wouldn't be half the show without her.

[@auggied6760]

Maggie Smith is one of the greatest actresses in history. Her depth is unparalleled.

[@JesseJo95]

Maggie Smith didn’t feel like a successful celebrity BEFORE downton abbey?! 😱 she is a legend

[@f.michaelbremer-cruz2708]

The English teacher who encouraged Maggie Smith to go into acting made far more of an impact than she probably ever imagined was possible. It's nice that she still remembers her so fondly.

[@nishevithashanmugarajah]

What a masterclass in comedy, humility without being self-deprecating, dry delivery, perfect timing, honest, she's A LEGEND

[@sweetpjeb23]

I love how humble she is. A lot of people pretend to be humble but you can tell that she doesn't fake it. She seems so genuine even though she's been in the business for decades. She's absolutely incredible. She went through having breast cancer in the middle of filming Harry Potter and her performance and delivery of Professor McGonagall didn't slip a bit. Her wit and personality hasn't flinched a bit the older she's gotten. She was in her late 70's when Downton Abbey first started and she was completely on her game. And in the Lady in the Van, she was 80. Let that sink in. That was an absolutely incredible performance. If I can even walk when I'm 80 I'll be content.

[@jodie4609]

She had a line and for years I did know it was her the film is called the love letter with Tom Selleck .

[@vespermartini2556]

You Brits are so lucky to call her your own, she's a gem.

[@ricexbucket]

She's 82 in this interview.... good on her.

[@rosscityofliverpool.983]

Maggie is old school, says it how it is, great actress and a nice and very funny person....just the best.

[@TheRealDarrylStrawberry]

i just started watching Downton Abbey...every line she delivers is pure gold.

[@bathtangle]

Her performance, walking to library after Sybil died, just a couple of minutes scene, should have won an Emmy. Old school actresses knew how to portray grieving without weeping and wailing for close ups.

[@kisslena]

“What’s a weekend?” Changed my life.

[@babacar3519]

some people adopt kids, can I adopt her as my grandmother???

[@dihboas]

"sitting in that trailer, day after day and not being used..." I agree we didn't had enough of McGonagall and suddenly I want to slap the shit out of every Harry Potter director, because Dame Maggie wanted to be of use and they all neglected her

[@pjj9491]

Her facial expressions in Downton...the eyes...love❤❤❤❤❤