Maggie Smith‘s role as Minerva McGonagall has been the most memorable character of the actress’ legendary career that went on for decades. As tributes continue to roll in after her recent demise, newer angles of Smith and her relationship with the ‘Harry Potter‘ franchise have also emerged.
An old interview of the actress where she reveals how she found her role in the franchise ‘dissatisfying’ has resurfaced. In the interview, she’s talking about how she found it inconvenient to wear the props that were required in the films. Here’s what she said.
Why Did Maggie Smith Dislike Her Character In ‘Harry Potter’ And ‘Downtown Abbey’?
Speaking to Evening Standard, Maggie Smith revealed she found her roles on screen unsatisfying and that she prefers theatre over everything else. “It seemed to take ages to get away from light comedy,” she said, before adding, “I am deeply grateful for the work in Potter and indeed Downton but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel I was acting in those things.”
She remembered thinking throughout the franchise, “I wanted to get back to the stage so much because theatre is basically my favorite medium, and I think I felt as though I’d left it all unfinished. But there wasn’t anything that came along.”
She also talked about how she hated wearing hats in both films. “I used to find the most exhausting thing was wearing those hats. They’re the heaviest things in the world. I had a hat, it was like the Albert Hall, it was huge and so heavy,” she said.
“I was in the snow for about a week with that daft hat on my head for Harry Potter and sitting in that trailer day after day and not being used – that doesn’t make you feel too jolly,” the actress added.
How Did Maggie Smith Die?
Maggie Smith breathed her last on September 27, at 89. Although the cause of her death wasn’t revealed, Smith had often spoken about the challenges she faced when it came to her health.
In case you missed it: Jared Harris, Son Of Dumbledore Actor, Says ‘Harry Potter’ Films Were Enough And People Should “Leave Them Alone”
After her death, her sons revealed in a statement, “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” the statement added.
Numerous stars and colleagues took to social media to pay homage to the actress, who was a two-time Oscar and four-time Emmy winner. Her last film was ‘The Miracle Club‘ in 2023.
