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TheHarry Potterfilms were absolutely magical and the cast members had a huge role in making them so. Every single character was so perfectly cast that it would often be difficult to know where the actor ends and where the character begins. From Maggie Smith’s Professor McGonagall to Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger, all these characters hold a special part in our hearts.
However, Maggie Smith once revealed that she didn’t find her role as Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor, to be satisfying. She simply didn’t feel as if she was really acting inHarry Potteras well as the historical drama,Downton Abbey.The actress also complained about having to wear huge and heavy hats for her role as Minerva.
Maggie Smith Has Complaints About Two of Her Iconic Roles
Apart fromHarry Potter,Maggie Smith’sfilmography includes yet another iconic and unforgettable role – Violet Crawley inDownton Abbey.However, as legendary as these roles may be, Smith always felt like something was missing. Meaning, she was not completely satisfied by eitherHarry PotterorDownton Abbey.
“The kids were kind of frightened by her”: Dame Maggie Smith Terrified ‘Harry Potter’ Cast With Her Presence on Set
Smith opened up toEvening Standardand stated,
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.
As a die-hardHarry Potterfan, this comment was nothing short of a punch to the gut. However, it is important to note that Smith was not foul-mouthing her time on the two projects. She simply didn’t feel content as an actor.
Smith also added that she and Alan Rickman, may he rest in peace, used to joke around about how their roles in the franchise almost entirely consisted of reaction shots. The actress stated that theatre was her favorite medium and the only reason she hopped onto screen roles was because the work she wanted to do in theatre was just not happening.
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.
Smith has worked across mediums – film, television, and theatre – which makes her one of the most accomplished actresses today. She has been recognized for her brilliant work over and over again and is the proud recipient of two Oscars, four Emmys, three Golden Globes, and so much more. Smith also went back to theHarry Potterfranchise in the video gameHogwarts Mysterywhere she voiced McGonagall.
Maggie Smith Was Not a Fan of the Witch’s Hat
Whenever someone dresses up as a witch, a tall pointy hat and a long robe are some of the basic requirements for it. Smith was no exception to the rule as she had to don the perfect witch attire for herHarry Potterrole. However, wearing those huge hats was not an easy task.
“I did a thing before ‘Potter'”: Daniel Radcliffe’s First Project With Maggie Smith Surprisingly isn’t Harry Potter
According to her, the hats were the most exhausting part of the role. She stated (viaEvening Standard),
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.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.
Smith did add that she was not the only one who was“moaning”about the difficulties that came with working on the films.
But there were other people in the trailer also moaning, like Miriam Margolyes. You’re not alone when you moan.
ActressMiriam Margolyesplayed the role of Professor Sprout, the loveable Head of the Herbology Department over at Hogwarts. The actress, too, had alot to sayto the fans ofHarry Potteras she gave them a harsh reality check.
You can stream allHarry Potterfilms on Max or Peacock Premium andDownton Abbeyon Prime Video.
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2258
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you can find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
