‘She told me you shouldn’t put anything in your ear smaller than your elbow’: readers on Maggie Smith

‘I sobbed at every curtain call’

As soon as I heard her utter the line from California Suite: “Discreet? […] you did everything but lick his artichoke,” I knew my life was changed for ever. I was 11 years old – it’s a love affair that has lasted nearly 50 years. I saw her 10 times on stage and sobbed at every curtain call. Her performance in The Way of the World was the most electrifying performance I ever saw on stage. I will miss her terribly. Somehow life seems a little hollow without her in it.

I got to speak to her a few times, once after a performance of Bed Among the Lentils. I felt it best not to say anything effusive as I was always worried that I might receive a withering so I spluttered: “When you said: ‘Discreet, you did everything but lick his artichoke’ in California Suite I knew I had to be an actor.” She looked me up and down and said: “It’s a very overrated vegetable.” Tim Cook, 59, former actor and teacher, Australia

‘I saw her at the Edinburgh festival in the 1950s and was mesmerised’

I saw Maggie Smith in the 50s at the Edinburgh festival. The buzz was going around that there was this extraordinary red-haired girl in the Cambridge Footlights revue. I went to see her at a very small venue and was mesmerised by this charismatic, delicate creature who was somehow “different”. She had a tray of cigarettes that hung from a strap around her neck and sang a number about being a cigarette girl in the cinema (they still existed then) and how she longed to be up there on the screen. She didn’t have long to wait! Donald , France

‘I was touched to receive a little gift from her’

Maggie Smith slipped into the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco to make Sister Act at the formidable Catholic church, St Paul’s. She managed to tuck herself away in a local bakery cafe when not on set (and it was a production with a lot of down time for lead actors). I told my husband (her security person on set) to please pass along my warm appreciation and to say I didn’t want to bother her. When she finished her part in the film and left the production my husband was handed an empty glass vase with a note “for Kit”. So, from Maggie Smith a little gift. I was touched. Kit , San Francisco, California, US

‘This news has made me miss my grandma’

I remember watching the Exotic Marigold Hotel, and then the Lady in the Van with my grandma. She was a lot like Maggie in terms of her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude. My grandma passed away two years ago and, in her final month on end-of-life care, she joked that at least she wouldn’t have to see the day the world lost Dame Maggie Smith. This devastating news has made me miss my sharp-tongued grandma just that little bit more. Jorden, Derbyshire

‘Her performance in The Lady in the Van was incandescent’

I saw The Lady in the Van in London’s West End. The play was absolutely remarkable, hilarious and wondrous. Her performance was incandescent. Surprisingly, the most amazing moment was her curtain call. When she first bowed to our thunderous applause, she remained in character. As the applause continued, she bowed, and while she was bowing down, she dropped her character, and arose as herself. It was a virtuoso moment. I will never forget seeing her character bow, and then Dame Maggie Smith arise from the bow. It was stunning, vivid. Maggie Smith was my lifelong favourite actor. May she go forth shining from this world, our hymns of praise and wails of grief echoing as she flies free from mortality, to dwell forever among the stars in the firmament. Caroline , Olympia, Washington, US

‘When I met her at Wimbledon she said she liked to sign “Margaret Smith”’

About 20 years ago, I was at the Wimbledon tennis championships and spotted Maggie Smith walking alone on the concourse. Having admired her stage performances over a number of years, I approached her and asked if she would be kind enough to sign my programme. I had no idea that she was passionate about tennis. We chatted briefly, and without hesitation as she gave me her autograph, she said: “I hope you don’t mind – but when I am here I like to sign ‘Margaret Smith’.” We laughed. Margaret Smith of Australia was – and is – the most successful female tennis player of all time. In fact, of course, my programme was kindly signed: “Best Wishes, Maggie Smith”. Paul Secher, 73, company director and tribunal member, London

‘She encouraged the other cast members to give me a round of applause’

I am an employment lawyer and employee relations specialist. Since #MeToo many film and production companies require cast and crew to attend mandatory respect in the workplace training to ensure that the working environment remains inclusive and respectful for all and people know how to raise concerns.

I ran such inclusivity training on the latest Downton Abbey movie, virtually, soon after Covid restrictions had lifted. Having been an employment lawyer for over 10 years, I don’t usually get nervous with public speaking. However, when acting favourites like Imelda Staunton, Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Smith were appearing on my screen, I’ll admit I did have to take a few extra deep breaths to compose myself. Maggie Smith joined from her kitchen table, with her grandson kindly helping her navigate the camera settings so she could be fully seen and present.

I always ended my sessions by asking attendees if they had any questions or concerns. I’d often be met with silence (which I’d take as the messages were all received well!). This time Maggie Smith made the point of saying: “I don’t think anyone has any questions, but thank you for the session – it was really well presented and I think we should all give you a round of applause,” and proceeded to encourage the other cast members to join in.

It was a lovely gesture and has been my go-to dinner party anecdote ever since. Dame Maggie was a lovely lady who I and many others will miss dearly. Richard Taylor, 39, employment laywer, London

‘A tour de force’

Maggie Smith was a tour de force. She had everything, nobility, sharp wit and a seemingly easy way of relating to life and quite Britishly making not much fuss about it. She was simply grand, delightful, distinguished, and one of the greatest dames I have ever had the pleasure to witness in my life. Alas, there are not many left. Stefan, 60, translator, Portugal

‘One of those rare, truly formidable forces’

It has been 23 years and I cannot remember if I first saw her in Gosford Park or the first Harry Potter film, but all these years later, it was the former film that seared her in my mind as one of those rare, truly formidable forces and a pleasure to watch in any movie. Like all great public personalities, one feels a distinct sense of loss at the death of one such as Dame Smith. More so, one wonders if the actors of that era – those who age with grace – would ever come around again, if the current generation would become those actors in turn. Shiuan, Japan

‘She shot back at me and I laughed a lot’

I played the role of Connie Rayner in Tea With Mussolini. My first film role, three months in Italy, working alongside the three dames - Maggie Smith, Judy Dench and Joan Plowright, AND Cher and Lily Tomlin.

We were driving back from the set after a day’s filming. Maggie had a painful ear and was sticking her finger in it and I tentatively said, as I was very unsure of my footing, that she shouldn’t really do that. She shot back in her ubiquitous manner: “I know. You shouldn’t put anything in your ear smaller than your elbow.” I laughed a lot. Tessa Pritchard, 64, actress, London

‘Took my boyfriend to see her in Breath of Life on our first date’

The first proper date I took my boyfriend on involved flying to London from Sydney to see Maggie Smith and Judi Dench in David Hare’s Breath of Life in 2002. Sublime performances and witty dialogue, with a particularly caustic exchange at the expense of Americans. When delivered, a huge guffaw was heard, and all heads turned to see Bill Clinton in the audience with Hillary. Maggie remained sticky in character, but shot a mischievous glance. The date was a success, and we’ve been together ever since. Matthew, Sydney

‘I met her early this year – her wit every bit as biting’

I met Dame Maggie in January this year. She was recovering from a serious operation and everyone there knew she was not well. She knew my mother, so we sat and chatted to her for some time. Her mind was sharp and focused as ever and her wit every bit as biting. One of the most extraordinary presences I’ve ever seen on stage and one of the wittiest women that ever was on screen. She is irreplaceable. Anna , London

‘Inspired by Maggie Smith in Downton, I wanted my grandma name to be “Dowie”’

About 10 years ago, long before my daughter had children, she asked me what I wanted my grandma name to be. Inspired by the regal presence of Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey, I said: “Why, the Dowager Countess Linda P of course.”

Fast forward to a few years ago, she went into labour early, and after a nerve-racking day not hearing from her, she called and asked if I wanted to meet my grandson. She leaned over his bassinet and said: “Charlie, this is your Dowie.” She told me when she talked to him in utero about me, she shortened my name because he was so young and that Dowie was easier for a baby to understand.

So in the space of one moment, I learned my grandson’s name, and my own grandmother name. I’ve been Dowie ever since. Linda , Maryland, US

‘We will remember her fondly and as long as we live’

Tears pour down my cheeks as I write this. My partner and I quote her dialogues from her banter with Judi Dench’s character in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films: “Just because I’m looking at you, doesn’t mean I am interested;” the list goes on and on. We will miss her. We will cherish her. We will remember her fondly and as long as we live. Manish , Germany

‘I dropped a wordless curtsey and she smiled’

In the days of Jean Brodie fame, I was flicking through a rail of designer dresses in Harvey Nichols – and there was Maggie Smith on the other side – doing the same. Totally starstruck, and rendered speechless, I stared at her with my mouth agape. As I was already weak at the knees, I dropped a wordless curtsey. She smiled, nodded in thanks and I disappeared in confusion, feeling unworthy to ask for her autograph. Now I know how “private” she was, I am so glad I didn’t blow her cover. I remember being struck by how comparatively tiny she was – her status was such that on screen, she seemed six feet tall. Gladys , Poole

‘I was delighted to see her’

My husband, I and two friends went to the RSC at Stratford-on-Avon in 2004 to see Hamlet starring Toby Stephens. It was press night and there was a real buzz in the foyer. We were waiting to collect tickets and I noticed a circle of people conspicuously standing round someone. I recognised that it was Maggie Smith and her family had created a protective barrier around her. I was delighted to see her but said nothing, just smiled at her.

Encompassed in her huge eyes as she returned my look was the message: “Don’t you dare come over” but also a mild curiosity of: “Do I know you?” I smiled again and turned away, respecting her privacy. It was only during the play that I remembered Stephens was her son. I thought how nerve-racking for him that his mum, Maggie Smith, was watching and also how nerve-racking for her, not wanting to steal his limelight by her presence. Auriel, 68, retired drama and English teacher, Leicester

‘I bumped into her in M&S and was starstruck’

I once had the great honour of bumping into Dame Maggie Smith at our local Marks & Spencer in 2017. Starstruck, the only thing I could manage to say was: “I have seen all of your films.” With her trademark wit and humility, she replied: “I am sure you have better things to do.” That moment captured everything wonderful about her: the effortless grace, the humour, and the humility that endeared her to audiences. The world has lost not only one of the greatest dames to have ever lived but also, for me, the greatest Desdemona. Amirreza Tayebi, 31, broadcaster, London