Dame Maggie Smith Was Photographed Having Lunch a Week Before Her Passing — Her Transformation Through the Years in Pics

One of the most respected actresses in Britain, Dame Maggie Smith, tragically passed suddenly soon after making her last public appearance. She accomplished so much over her amazing career and had a stunning transition. View pictures that show her development over time.

Maggie Smith began her acting career in the 1950s at the Oxford Playhouse. In 1956, she made her big screen debut in “Child in the House.” Since then, the Oscar winner—best recognized for her part in the “Harry Potter” films—has showcased her extraordinary talent in over sixty motion pictures and television shows.

Her sudden death, which happened not long after a glimpse in public, has caused people to take a trip down memory lane and consider her extraordinary life makeover. This is a timeline-style visual tour of Maggie’s life.

1959

The actress’s short, tidy hairstyle in this 1959 snapshot brought out the best aspects of her face. She carried a drink in one hand and was dressed in a sleeveless velvet gown with a low neckline.

1960

Maggie was pictured in April 1960 wearing a classy checkered dress over a white shirt. She had her hair done in gentle waves and was holding herself confidently with her arms crossed.

That September, she adopted a daring new look. The stage and movie actress emerged with her hair unkempt and a serious expression, clutching a playing card while draped in a towel.

1963

Maggie’s grace continued throughout the early 1960s, but it now had a whimsical charm. She had her short hair done in gentle curls and was wearing a polka-dot suit when she posed with a seductive expression in this 1963 photo.

1965

With the approaching mid-1960s, the British-born individual’s profession kept developing. She was dressed in layers and struck a contemplative pose when she was photographed. This was approximately when she played the lead role in “Othello.”

1967

Maggie’s grace and charisma were more apparent than ever in 1967. She held a cosmetics brush and smiled sweetly while posing with her hair arranged in big curls. She also welcomed her first child, Chris Larkin, with actor Robert Stephens as her spouse in this year.

1969

The family woman, with a patterned scarf and fashionable short blonde hair, was photographed in the start of 1969. Maggie was also getting ready for the arrival of her youngest son, Toby Stephens, who was born in April 1969, at this same period.

The mother of two might be seen in the second picture, which is a scene from the film “Hot Millions,” playing the flute. Her character’s vivid plaid dress and focused look highlighted her flexibility as an actress.

1970

As the early 1970s arrived, Maggie’s personal life became more difficult. She was pictured here with Robert and their son Chris. Robert made an unsuccessful attempt at suicide during this difficult time, causing turmoil in the family’s lives.

1973

The beautiful and endearing star continued to shine as the early 1970s went on. She was wearing a silky robe and was photographed in February 1973, looking comfy backstage.

Maggie was photographed in a more relaxed situation in March of the same year, wearing big spectacles and pulling back her hair. Her radiant grin conveyed the warmth and elegance that characterized her personality throughout this time.

1975

The “Sister Act” actress had to deal with major upheavals in her personal life as 1975 drew near. After eight years of marriage, she divorced Robert for adultery, and shortly after, she wed playwright and screenwriter Beverley Cross as her second husband.

Maggie eventually acknowledged that she had always loved Robert, stating, “I simply don’t see how you can stop loving him. He is the reason that I have two amazing sons.” They had reestablished their connection by the time of Robert’s death in 1995.

In the meantime, she married Beverley in 1998 at the age of 66, and they had a happy 23 years together. It was reported that he had received treatment for several aneurysms.

1979

Maggie’s grace continued to enthrall audiences well into the late 1970s. During this time, she once rocked a stylish bob haircut and wore clothing with subtle patterns.

1986

As the mid-1980s approached, the seasoned actor adopted a more laid-back way of living. She once smiled subtly while posing outside her country house in Sussex.

1999

Maggie was still a shining star on stage as the 20th century came to an end. She was shown in this 1999 photo at London’s Queens Theatre, where she was seen in Alan Bennett’s play “The Lady in the Van,” as Miss Shepherd. She was clearly committed to portraying nuanced characters, as seen by her multilayered outfit and solemn demeanor.

2001

The Hollywood diva kept her talent on display as the new millennium progressed. She co-starred with Helen Mirren in the critically acclaimed movie “Gosford Park” during this time. Around the same time, Maggie took up the role of the fearsome Professor McGonagall in the highly successful “Harry Potter” franchise.

2011

The two-time Academy Award winner remained in the spotlight as the decade went on. She attended the world premiere of a “Harry Potter” film during this time. Her silver hair and beautiful clothes mirrored her timeless grace and long prominence in the entertainment sector.

2013

Chris, the first child of Maggie, spoke openly about disguising his true identity from the age of 19 two years later, in 2013. Equity already had his given name, Christopher Stephens, on file, so he altered it. More than anything, the actor wished to maintain a professional and personal life apart.

2014

On October 21, 2014, Maggie was spotted acting completely out of character as Miss Shepherd in Alan Bennett’s “The Lady in the Van,” as the decade entered the middle.

A few days later, the famous person was seen filming on location. She was wearing a casual navy blazer and playing the intriguing role of “The Lady in the Van.”

She wore a colorful, multicolored costume to a public event at the National Maritime Museum by December 2014.

2015

As 2015 progressed, Maggie grinned broadly for the cameras when attending the Royal Film Performance in February. She was dressed in a chic, light-colored blazer over a basic black top.

By October of the same year, she was spotted at the “The Lady in the Van” screening with her hair done in a soft wave and wearing a bright jacket with floral patterns.

2016

The former cast member of “Downton Abbey” kept up her lively appearances at events in the early months of 2016. Wearing a casual yet sophisticated blue blazer, she attended the London Evening Standard British Film Awards on February 7.

She stunned the EE British Academy Film Awards one week later on February 14 in a rich burgundy ensemble that exemplified her classic sense of style. Her composed demeanor enthralled the audience.

Maggie appeared on stage at the 62nd London Evening Standard Theatre Awards in November. She took center stage with exuberant movements and a happy face.

2017

The cherished actress graced multiple events in 2017 with her classic charm. She seemed very gracious and kind when she went to an event in May alongside Dame Judi Dench.

The well-known show business figure was spotted showing up for a chapel service one month later in June, dressed in all-white. Her short, silver hair was cut into bangs.

Maggie was spotted in July at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with Sir Ian McKellen, when her cool demeanor made her stand out in the throng.

She finally made an appearance with Sir Derek Jacobi at a charity function in December, looking stunning in a red dress that was a tribute to her timeless spirit and sense of style.

2018

Maggie continued to practice her art throughout 2018. She was seen in the May photo attending an event while wearing a beige and black outfit and grinning broadly at the camera.

In November, the Hollywood star was spotted at another public event, sharing a moment with her longtime pal and fellow actor, Ian.

2019

Time passed, and Maggie’s grace and composure did too. She attended Wimbledon in July 2019 and exuded her trademark charm while dressing comfortably yet elegantly.

In November of the same year, the well-known persona made a lasting impact on the red carpet once more as she graced the 65th Evening Standard Theatre Awards with her sophisticated flair.

2020

Maggie’s extraordinary talent kept her captivating audiences as the years passed. She appeared on the Primrose Hill, London, set of the family/fantasy movie “A Boy Called Christmas” at the beginning of 2020.

2021

The famous person continues to provide her presence to public occasions in 2021, a year later. Her presence at the Wimbledon Championships was observed.

2022

Maggie and actor Dominic West discussed her retirement in 2022. Over a chat on the “Downton Abbey” set, he recounted the “incredibly emotional” moment.

Although Dominic was excited to work with her, he was taken aback when she said that this would be her final endeavor. She declared that she was done with theater and movies.

Dominic was there for her last scene and thought he was “witnessing history.” Later on, he noted that realizing that such a brilliant actress was retiring was poignant.

2024

On an outing in London, she pleased diners in what would be her final public appearance. She donned a light blue shirt and a headband, which kept back her distinctive silver hair.

A few days later, on September 27, 2024, her sons made the tragic announcement that Maggie Smith had died at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that was adored by both fans and the business.