Maggie Smith Moments That Make Me Spit Out My Tea | Downton Abbey

[@kerriethompson2073]

You left out my favorite saying where Lady Grantham says “What is a weekend?”

[@ri589]

Also the "Put that in your pipe and smoke it!" line. My favorite line of the series!

[@APG-fu6gk]

A phrase I have said since my retirement. 😊😊😊

[@annehunt787]

The “What is a weekend?” quote was so good that it got its own video clip!

[@ryancolby6079]

Agreed.

[@lewinny9598]

That's my favorite too

[@maureenstrang6130]

The combination of brilliant writing and Maggie Smith's delivery is unbeatable. She made that show.

[@theoriginalpublicnewsense]

Brilliant writing. 😂

[@jeffbledsoe4131]

​@@theoriginalpublicnewsense😊

[@arjanpelle]

@@theoriginalpublicnewsense Lol.

[@Phyllis1956]

I so agree. I watch this video over and over xx

[@Philosofiya]

Yep

[@riaana5537]

Her lines were delivered perfectly and with impeccable timing. R.I.P to a star of British acting.

[@blugreen123]

My favorite moment is when Carlile tells the Dowager that she won't see him anymore, and she responds "Do you promise?" 😆

[@Nyx773]

That was quite the burn. 🔥 If I am in a similar situation, I hope to remember to use it.

[@ErinH-430]

I love that one too.

[@Shan_Dalamani]

I use that line every time some idiot on FB tells me they're not going to reply anymore.

[@fancy-on5hn]

Mine too! 😂

[@tangiiaenjoy]

She savage for that ! hahahahh

[@Beckford4000]

Maggie Smith was always at her best when she had the equally brilliant Penelope Wilton to play off. Wilton doesn't not get the attention, nor praise that she deserves for her brilliant performance as Smith's foil. Well done to both ladies though.

[@nellhirst9463]

Not quite sure if the Dowger Countress would approve but I am sure Maggie Smith wont mind a brief note : If you are in the UK and would like to see the wonderful Penelope Wilton live on stage - she is performing in a comedy called "Backstairs Billy" at the Duke of Yorks Theatre in the West end in London. Penelope plays Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Luke Evans plays her real life butler William Tallon. The show runs Fri 27 Oct 2023 - Sat 27 Jan 2024.

[@callistrate1]

Yes, I quite agree. Here the brilliant Penelope Wilton, playing Isobel Crawley, is the indescriptible Faire Valoir of Maggie Smith's Dowager Violet Countess of Grantham, in this sharp, witty, sometimes tender boxing match between those two golden characters of Downton Abbey. A very salted but happy marriage. Thanks to the two of them. Ideal casting.

[@mordachiapeargut]

I remember Penelope Wilton playing Richard Briers wife in Ever decreasing circles, shes come a long way since then.

[@NGHTNGLHS88]

My nan loved Maggie Smith, so I grew up watching her films and tv. I met Dame Maggie Smith when I was 17 she was exiting a theatre from back entrance in London, I was walking past enroute to college and the first thing out my mouth was 'Jean Brodie' and I gasped as I said it quite loud.. (even though I loved Room with a View at the time) she turned looked gave me her enigmatic glare with a huge smile and said 'oh you know it' and got into a Black Cab, I stood beaming ear to ear, I couldnt wait to tell my nan. I then looked at what was on at the theatre and she was in the production. Asked if any tickets but sold out. So I waited until I managed to secure tickets and watched her tread the boards in Three Tall Women with my nan. Dame Maggie Smith, thank you for being you ❤️ sadly missed.

[@aszechy]

"Does it ever get cold on the moral high ground?"

[@owlivdejong5086]

RIP Dame Maggie Smith, you brought us so much joy, thank you.

[@projectalice8119]

My favorite is “Oh how you hate to be wrong.” Her response “I wouldn’t know. I’m not familiar with the sensation.” 😂🤣

[@creativehorsequeen]

Robert's face after she talks about ringing for Nanny 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Alex-mp8ro]

Also his and Mary’s faces after she says to Sir Richard “Do you promise”?

[@chrissie952]

RIP to a legend

[@patbiggam8138]

Those of us who survived Matthew's death thoroughly enjoyed this series. Maggie Smith's many quips were classic. The consummate actress. So very talented.

[@thommorden4342]

Maggie is such a champ of an actress and Carrie’s any role she leads in. And as downtown abbey shows, any role she doesn’t lead in

[@wandawarthog5724]

And it wasn’t easy surviving Matthews death. 😢😢😢😢😢

[@MJQueenForever]

Not surviving today either...

[@pamlp04]

Also one of my favorites is when Edith says she might get into gardening and granny says “you can't be as desperate as that.”😂😂😂

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Oh! that's rich! you made my evening with that. Ha Ha Ha

[@ErinH-430]

I love her evolution about her feelings on Tom Branson. In the last season, she leaves the letter with him when she goes to the south of France saying, “he’s the most sensible.”

[@12classics39]

Also, when she’s confronting Mary about her feelings for Henry, she mentions Tom’s input several times. “Tom believes you did it because you’re unhappy,” “Tom says Henry is in love with you.” At the start of the show, she NEVER would’ve cared so much about Tom’s opinion. That particular development is bigger than the distance between North America and Europe!

[@kyleenglot4221]

@@12classics39 I think the Dowager always admired Tom from the beginning. However she is a stickler for tradition in her family, and even when Tom and Sybill planned to run away, rather than berate and argue with them she asked whether they had a plan for them? She looks at things with logic and reason and asks people she loves if they have truly weighed the odds and challenges of pursuing a life changing decision. Violet admires intelligent and forward thinking people such as Tom and Mrs. Crawley although she's not one to outright let them know it because she enjoys challenging points of view as often as she can. When Mrs. Crawley tells her she wants to marry her new guy and would mean she'd move away, Violet got saddened by it because despite their bickering she sees Mrs. Crawley as a dear friend.

[@Anastashya]

I love when she laughs over her own quips “ha hah” 😂❤

[@kristashafer93098]

How could you leave off the iconic “Do you promise?”???!!!

[@jonirnmomba4130]

The scene with Ethel is hands down one of my favourites. The look they give when they discover, the quip about a costume for every occasion. It’s the greatest

[@deborahpinkey1264]

I liked the quip "It seems a pity to miss such a good pudding" even better. 🤣🤣🤣

[@muffinbumstudios]

Such a legendary actress. May she fly high and rest in peace 🕊🕊🕊

[@dawnkeane5704]

RIP Dame Maggie. What a legacy you leave behind.A gifted Actress.

[@smilesfordays]

“HhhMmmhhmmm, but you’re better than nothing…” is one of my favorite lines delivered. It’s the absolute perfection of fussy pouty distain that really is so compelling and hilarious.

[@sandrataylor3723]

Loved Maggie Smith's character in this show. No one else could have done justice to that part like she did. When I first started watching it, I always looked forward to her "words of wisdom" and her "let down quotes". She always made my day. Thanks Maggie Smith!

[@ripekashepherd5453]

She was the main reason why I watched Downton Abbey. Her delivery of her quips were brilliant. Loved her

[@the8thchurch461]

Indeed. No one comes even close to the dowager. She is Downtown Abbey. Without her there is no show. I believe that is why they dressed her more expensively than any other. Her clothes are certainly the stuff of fairy tale. I can't get over the red lacy dress complete with the equally matching red lacy hat. Or the outfit she wore at Isobel Crawley's house when they forced Tom to wear the morning coat for Matthew's wedding.

[@irishka_zolotse]

"I never argue, I explain" beats all others for me! Grand show, awesome characters Maggie Smith is impeccable 👌

[@karphin1]

Maggie Smith is marvellous. She carried it off so well. Caustic, dry and scathing.

[@rickster100100]

Maggie Smith. RIP….. just simply…. thank you. 💐💐

[@lyramaria1067]

Maggie Smith is a treasure ❤

[@denisefreitas6727]

Indeed! 😊

[@dougd2723]

I will never forget seeing her on stage in Boston. It was my introduction to a life-long adoration. An unmatched actor.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

RIP maggie

[@Shazzadut1]

I saw her on stage in Sydney Australia where I live in an Alan Bennett Monologue Bed Among The Lentils. I was in the front row, she was right in front of me! I’ll,never forget it.

[@x105w5]

Anyone else here to say goodbye to the queen of quips? RIP

[@RosemaryEdwards-g7k]

Not goodbye. Just remembering and thanking God for her

[@Der_Dolmetscher]

„Don’t be defeatist, dear! It’s very middle class.“

[@DawnNY]

What a brilliant actress. Maggie Smith will be missed.😢💔

[@tessamoland797]

I cant even say, she is a national treasure. She is an International treasure❤

[@PokhrajRoy.]

She’s absolutely fabulous! I love her comic timing. It’s a blend of posh vibes and naughtiness.

[@sylviacarlson3561]

she's always naughty in a such a classy way. These Hollywood types have a lot to learn from Maggie Smith.

[@the8thchurch461]

Maggie Smith = Downtown Abbey. Every time I see her, I love her more and more. She brings such family warmth, not to mention absolute beauty. Her costumes are the most gorgeous of them all. She redefines glamour and puts it where it belongs, with the older and more sophisticated, not the inexperienced youth with no clue about life. She makes me look forward to becoming an old lady now. I don't have to fear ending up wearing socks and slippers and whatever else.

[@nunc-hic-stans4211]

I love her since ever and of my favourite scenes of her that depicts that naughtiness is in Murder by death, when she talks about an old lady being naughty and she says naughtingly "I like her...I really like her..." 🤣😂😂🤣😂

[@iamshotty]

They are all my favorite moments, however I really spat out my tea when The Dowager is on the phone and says "Hello? Shrimpy? Yes it's Aunt Violet.." that, combined with Lady Edith's priceless face as you can literally see her trying to hold back her laughter. Loved it 😆❤🇦🇺

[@tinawhynot8893]

She’s nothing short of brilliant!

[@Peter-z9t]

RIP Dame Maggie Smith September 27, 2024. One of our greatest and most versatile actors!

[@JoyMartin-rk4pm]

I like the left out bit when she says "We can't have him assassinated............I suppose".

[@andrewmichaelfernandes9982]

Priceless talent. And the best argument against ageism.

[@the8thchurch461]

Ageism is just a trick to exploit the inexperienced young. Maggie is genius because of her age as well as her talent of course. Without her in that show, I doubt I would have bothered. She embodies family warmth, comfort and cosiness that makes me want to see her everyday.

[@evrimpekaslan]

2:16 “Is this an instrument of communication or torture” 😂😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@adelaferreira4575]

She is as fabulous as she sounds ,what a legend Dame Maggie Smith !

[@shaunig6716]

Maggie Smith is a national treasure!

[@janbarrett4544]

I loved when Mrs.Crawley was playing cards with Violet after tending to her illness,and when asked how long the game will continue and she answers "All night"...to which Violet says" Goodie goodie." I cracked up!

[@mlk1965]

The telephone call - an acting masterclass!

[@tommytank99]

R.I.P Dame Maggie Smith. An Icon ❤❤❤

[@Bloodraven_175AC]

The telephone scene is one of the only scenes where we actually see lady violet acting her age

[@wisteria3032]

can we talk about when she covers her eyes with the fan because the new lamps are too bright and what will ever be the use of electricity when we have candles? 😂

[@cameronperrier7622]

It's giving how do I rotate this PDF

[@gypsywoman9140]

I loved her reaction to a certain chair Also the telephone scene wasn't necessarily a reflection of her age so much as it was adapting to early technology that we now take for granted. Everything was just being introduced then, and the wealthy/upperclass were the first to have it. Remember Mrs. Patmore and Daisy's reactions to things like a refrigerator (I believe it was) and so forth? It was all new to them as well. I believe Carson also took some getting used to with the telephone and was quite adorable about it.

[@Lorianne-1111]

I love that scene so much. It reminds of when I had to teach my Nan how to use a cordless house phone. 🤣

[@zvezdoblyat]

​@@gypsywoman9140poor Matthew in that scene lmao, he looked as if it was his fault that he didn't tell her the chair spins

[@SirQuantization]

Never seen Downton Abbey but Maggie is so good in these clips that I might just have to start. She is a glorious actress.

[@Shan_Dalamani]

The Dowager Countess Violet is my favorite character.

[@bunnyslippers191]

If you watch the series I really think you will not regret doing so. It's classic and the Dowager Lady Grantham steals every scene she's in.

[@lynnfisher3037]

Omg. Please watch it. NOTHING like it. Julian Fellowes is a creative genius and the ensemble cast is so good that you will completely forget its a play. Emotions run high so always have your Kleenex at the ready.

[@alicechin2705]

Oh my goodness. It's a must.

[@MrsCharityK]

It's a great show

[@sunnyonion3461]

My daughter worked on the show for three series, and she says Maggie was just as witty in real life.

[@susanford2388]

gosh how wonderful.

[@heathermetz6576]

You daughter must have some fantastic stories. How marvelous.

[@nemanjadelevingne4108]

Tell you daughter I'm beyond jealous of her, amazing experience it was,surely. ❤

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

Still is.

[@kat6976]

​@@Alicia-ij6gt...

[@elenivaporis2506]

"I don't argue, I explain" is my favorite.

[@chrisshelp1172]

I absolutely loved Dame Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey! She always had me giggling with her quips! She was amazing! Definitely her best role to date. She may have been the Dowager Duchess, but it didn't stop her saying what she thought & felt. If course, being elderly does give you a little freedom to be blunt.

[@embreis2257]

duchess? not dowager _countess?_

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

As a writer I am awed at the skill used in these lines

[@theoriginalpublicnewsense]

This was the single greatest decision the show made in casting Dame Maggie. The grand duchess of delivering a line. I love this woman.Been a fan for years. Long before Downton ever came along. One of my all-time faves is when Mrs. Crawley told her she'd have cut up little Charlie and made stew out of him to achieve the same end if she had to, the duchess' response and the expression on her face--half the response, imo--were priceless. If you haven't seen her as Jean Horton in Quartet, you're in for a treat. Fantastic cast and storyline. So many missing great lines. Some better than these.

[@lisabenjamin3955]

One of my favorites is " does it ever get cold up on the moral high ground?"

[@just_kos99]

RIP, Dame Maggie! You'll be sorely missed.

[@kat6976]

Rest in peace, you wer ein inspiration to us all ❤❤

[@denisefreitas6727]

What a legend Maggie Smith is! 🙌

[@EH23831]

My fave is: “You are a Lady, Edith- not Toad of Toad Hall” (When Edith wants to drive!)😂😂

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Oh! that's great! Thanks for having me remember that.

[@dianepatching742]

Her character is priceless and thanks to Julian Fellows to writing her such class phrases and one liners! ❤️

[@yahaira4555]

Rest In Peace Maggie 😔 You were such an excellent actress and a great person .

[@halyketarrant]

“Oh I’m so sorry, I thought you were a waiter” will NEVER be beaten as her best moment 😂

[@JohannonkingDavidelijah]

By the power of the holy spirit in the name of Elohim Jehovah adoniah by the fire Lord Israel Equadour adoni pope john paul king david orion smith Johnny smith I baptize you with my holy Spirit and this boy is now my son his new name is Daniel Steven Orion smith I love you please find me soon I will live you. You are my son forever I will kiss and make love you my sweet angel boy come to papa I am going to call you Danny boy if my dreams you are the cutest I want you as my little teddy bear to cuddle with I want to love forever in a day of Danny boy u love thee I am rich with love not money but that's my fault I live in love and despise mine but my love for you will be forever u want you to kiss and hold and play with forever. I want your friendship and I want all of you good bad all of please be my god d son and give me your heart I love you to the point of tears

[@halyketarrant]

@@JohannonkingDavidelijah yeah do not batpize me please, I’m pagan

[@MissBerlinerin]

R.I.P. Maggie Smith. You will be greatly missed 😢

[@ashlynnhunt5214]

Rest in peace, Dame Maggie Smith 💕 No one else could’ve possibly portrayed Violet

[@sarahsquires418]

Do you promise 😂 it’s an absolute classic. I love her!!!!!

[@barbara1407]

Maggie Smith’s wardrobe was stunning in this series.

[@elizabethdavie7874]

Downton Abbey was a brilliant series, the casting was spot on all the way through. Of course Maggie Smith pulled it all together. Maggie was from a generation that produced Joan Plowright, Judie Dench and Eileen Atkins, all absolutely the finest UK actress. I love them all and watch everything they are in.

[@Tyleya]

2:06 How did Laura keep a straight face? They would have had to do so many takes because I would have broken character giggling.

[@12classics39]

At 2:13 and 2:19, she’s clearly suppressing laughter. 🤣

[@lynnealbert7792]

This was one of the best series I have ever watched. I rêver really appreciated her talent until I watched this series.

[@ellycat39]

LOVE that amazing actress!

[@margjeeysink6395]

Rest in peace Maggie and thank you very much ❤

[@edugenopat]

The swivel chair scene in Matthew's office is one of the funniest moments of the entire show. 🤣

[@jc9552]

She is a legend. Enough said. ❤

[@suzanneh975]

"Wars have been fought with less fervor" 😂 She wasn't lying, Isabel was a bulldog.

[@odinfromcentr2]

"Is this an instrument of communication or torture?" Yes.

[@AnneBonaparte]

I smiled and chuckled throughout the beginning at then at "isn't it terribly damp" I lost my MIND

[@achiengmigaya7428]

She was clearly a titan in her craft.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Quote of the Day: “Dislike it? I will lick the stamps myself.”

[@Nigelsmom2136]

RIP Dame Maggie. You were such an integral part of Downton.

[@dublinjazz1]

How I envy anyone who's watching DA for the first time. One of the best series of all time.

[@NovaCelestia]

Oh, it hits differently now. 😢

[@leepe6956]

RIP Dame Maggie! What a wonderful career!

[@AleksandrCyplakov-zc3hy]

They left out my favorite one! "One cannot go to pieces at the death of every foreigner!"

[@malinhessedahl]

I love all seasons of Downton abby and Both movies of downton abby

[@mitch_the_-itch]

The last movie was a let down. Toms marriage seemed artificial and Marys husband was awol, lol. They should have written Mary to marry Charles Blake.

[@bubblewrapstargirl]

Nah, there's no Downton without Matthew

[@allisonk89]

My she rest in peace. Going to be watching Downton and all her movies ❤

[@jan-olofharnvall8760]

A gem, an absolute gem, brilliantly played by Dame Maggie🥰

[@Broadwaybuff-pi1qg]

I agree but it's Dame Maggie, not Dame Smith

[@jan-olofharnvall8760]

@@Broadwaybuff-pi1qg Thank you, I’ll correct it at once 🖖

[@splendidninja1378]

We're gonna miss you Dame Maggie ❤️

[@claudettecote3553]

She deserves every award she can get

[@Angie-GoneSoon]

I simply adore her!!

[@SarahArt-o5w]

Absolutely the best line "what is a weekend" legend

[@rosemaryallen2128]

A well known English actor/comedian, who expanded into writing a somewhat unamusing book, once opined that Downton had an 'inferior script'. These glorious exchanges reveal Julian Fellowes' huge talent for penning repartee, not to mention showing that jealousy is endemic to the performance professions...

[@conniep8616]

My favorite lines always revolved around Granny and her household drama concerning Spratt

[@angelaneto2169]

She was the best😢😢, long live in our minds, thank you for so much you gave us all. RIP

[@joannamirro7790]

Wonderful acting and the house and surroundings are espectacular !!!

[@Louisew1969]

The brilliant Maggie Smith and such a wonderful actress. Very quick and so sarky!! I love it ❤

[@katherineh2633]

Maggie Smith is my favorite , i love her attitude ! 😊

[@Caderic]

Maggie Smith, you will be missed!

[@sballantine8127]

How can you possibly leave out the time Violet found out that the Indian houseguest had died the night before? "Well, of course it had to be a foreigner. No Englishman would ever dream of dying in someone else's home, especially someone he didn't even know."

[@twobearshomestead]

Turkish houseguest.

[@janylabradagonzalez2185]

RIP Dame Maggie Smith. You will Be Missed. 😢

[@ShadowCammando24]

Maggie Smith sadly passed today. She was an incredible and talented actress. May she rest in peace. ❤️

[@JB-is4gt]

She was so funny. Such a talent. Rest in paradise Maggie 🪽🙏 🕊️

[@heathermetz6576]

4:10 “Do I look as if I’d turn down a villa in the south of France.”

[@m.layfette6249]

"Nobody is always friendly."

[@chenamie862]

Really love her so much in Downtown Abbey!❤ RIP

[@bubblewrapstargirl]

I couldn't continue after Matthew died so most of these are new to me. That "I'm tempted to ring for Nanny" to Robert one was hilarious 😂

[@Opheim1986]

I recomend that you do. The 3 seasons and 2 movies you haven't seen is quite good, and season 4 starts with sorrow and grief but it does move on in a way that seems natural and not theatrical. But the ending is a bit to much all ends well for my taste.

[@the8thchurch461]

​@@Opheim1986It ends as it should have. Remember that Downtown Abbey borrowed from Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen based the less beautiful but brainy Elizabeth on herself apparently. In Downtown, that is lady Edith. They both end up marrying way better than their beautiful older sisters.

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Oh! you must. I know it was sad and I cried, but you'll miss out on so much if you don't continue my darling!

[@patchdavis35]

All of you mourning Matthew should remember that the actor wanted out of the series, hence the quick died-in-a-car-accident ending for his character.

[@AnnaMarieHamiltonWriter]

@@the8thchurch461 haha yes. Except the older sister in Pride and Prejudice, Jane Bennet, was the most sweet, gentle, and honest person ever and best friends with her younger sister Elizabeth ... NONE of which can honestly be said for Mary Crawley haha