Dame Maggie Smith, a highly respected British actress, passed away at the age of 89. Known for her sharp wit and memorable performances, she captured audiences as the character Lady Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. Despite her fame, Smith once revealed that she never watched the shows she appeared in, believing that the joy of acting was enough.
Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards—one for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and another for California Suite. While many younger viewers recognized her as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, Smith viewed herself primarily as a stage actress.
Her rise to fame came later in life, as Downton Abbey made her a household name at 75. Smith's legacy is one of remarkable talent and a distinct presence in both film and theater, leaving behind a profound impact on audiences who admired her extraordinary career.
Vocabulary:
• Respected: Admired and esteemed for one's achievements or qualities.
• Imperious: having a commanding presence.
• Controversial: Likely to cause public disagreement or debate.
• Invigorating: Making one feel strong, healthy, or full of energy.
• Defeatist: Having a tendency to expect failure or accept defeat; pessimistic.
Source: CBS