Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, during filming of Season 3 of the hit period drama “Downton Abbey.” Here’s a look back at the British actress’ lengthy career. (Matthew Lloyd / For the Times)
British actresses Maggie Smith, left, and Helen Mirren chat at the Governor’s Ball following the 74th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 24, 2002 in Los Angeles. (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)
Maggie Smith is photographed at the Marriot Royal Rihga Hotel in Manhattan for her film “My House in Umbria.” (Jennifer S. Altman / For the Times)
Maggie Smith, left, and Judi Dench promote their film “Ladies in Lavender” in New York on April 21, 2005. (Tina Fineberg / For The Times)
Maggie Smith attends the unveiling of a statue of Lawrence Olivier outside the National Theatre, Southbank in September 2007 in London. Smith and Olivier starred together in 1965 film “Othello” and the 1981 epic “Clash of the Titans.” (Stuart Wilson / Getty Images)
Pauline Collins, left, and Maggie Smith in a scene from the film “Quartet.” Smith was nominated for actress in a comedy Golden Globe for her role as Jean. (Kerry Brown / AP)
British actress Dame Maggie Smith is shown in London on Dec. 16, 2015.
(Kirsty Wigglesworth / Associated Press)
Maggie Smith speaks onstage during “In Conversation With” chaired by Mark Lawson at the BFI & Radio Times TV Festival at the BFI Southbank on April 8 in London.
