No one, and I mean NO ONE could have done justice to this role other than the legendary Dame Maggie Smith. She is responsible for at least half of this show's success. Edit: Dame Maggie Smith passed away today. RIP.
She wrote her own come backs, and she is a stage actress which makes it a lot easier to transfer to movies and TV while the reverse isn’t that simple. Brits and the theater…can’t be beat!
I initially thought she was some sort of villain, but she's actually the glue that holds the family together. Grand old lady; stern, clever, but surely caring in her own way.
late comment but yeah, Old Lady Grantham is the matriarch of the Crawley Family. Being an aristocrat born in the 1800s when Lords still had political authority, really toughened her up to become the way she is in the show. A terrifying old lady whose cold as ice, tough as nails, and as sharp as a razor.
And this is proof that whether she plays a beloved Hogwarts Professor or the Dowager, Maggie Smith plays some of the most savage yet caring elderly ladies who the fandoms consider queens in their own right anyone has ever seen that no one can’t see a role played by anyone else
Indeed! The way she delivers her lines as Prof. McGonagall, especially when Harry and Ron show up late to class, is such low-key fire! Upon hearing lines like "Perhaps it would be useful to transfigure Mr Potter and yourself into a pocket watch. That way one of you might be on time", I know I'd be making a conscious effort to be on time to class. Besides, if you're late to anything where Dame Maggie Smith or her characters are present, you might miss all the low-key-sass action. 😁
"Principles are like prayers: noble, of course, but awkward at a party." I've never even seen a full episode of this show and even I know how great the Dowager is as a character. :D
I honestly hope there will be a Part 2 to this. The Dowager has so many more comebacks left unshown, such as when she says to Robert "When you talk like that, I'm tempted to ring for Nanny and have you put to bed with no supper."
The one that went something like, "Yes, I KNOW what campaigning is..." "Mary, will you be campaigning as well? Or would you prefer to take in washing?"
Actually she's brilliant about that! Shirley Maclaine had had a face lift and looked frightful, Maggie Smith never had plastic surgery and looked human.
RIP Dame Maggie Smith 😢 your dry wit and impeccable acting will be sorely missed. We will cherish your memories forever and your legacy will live on through your fans and future generations.
'And so what? I have plenty of friends I don't like.' That is actually very on point. The meaning of the words has shifted a bit: a 'friend' could just be an acquaintance with whom you'd exchange favors because, well, gotta stick together. What we call a friend today would have been called 'an intimate'.
Maggie Smith is a star like no other. How incredible she is as The Dowager. The Dowager has the wit and tongue of sharp steel ,and is outrageously outspoken and opinionated. And how superbly Maggie Smith reveals her wise and caring side as well.
Such a great actress. My favorite character of the series . She has some witty lines in Agatha Christie’s Evil Under the Sun . She says to Diana Rigg regarding their chorus girl days ..” You always could kick your legs up higher than the rest of us girls …and wider “. Classic Maggie 😎😎😎
OMG😢😢 Thank you so much for all the love and fun that you showed in your movies. I grew up watching your movies and made me have an interest in acting. May your soul rest in peace 🙏 😢
Needs updating--they saved her best two beauties for her death bed scene. "Everyone is talking so much I cant hear myself die"......then as she is taking her last breath "I dont want to be one of those people who say their goodbyes then never get in the car and leave"
Three. Her interaction with Maud was great too. “Maud, what are you doing here?” “You won’t believe me, but I shall miss you.” “Or have you just come to check I’m on the way out?”
I have a favourite season 1/season 2 line, when the Dowager drops in to visit Cora unannounced: "Good afternoon, dear" "Good afternoon" "There's no need to be so prim, I come in peace" hahaha
By far my favorite character. Maggie Smith was just perfect for this role, I’m so sad she passed away. She will always be one of the best actresses in the world.
@@mpb3481 thanks for the reply I asked because the number could mean anything; and as I prowled thru the Internet, there was a (in)famous American society list called "The Four Hundred" connected with the Astors
@@edanemorp1635 There's always the Downton Abbey Prequel. Of a younger actress shall play the Dowager Countess, but her voice and spirit will Always endure. 💜
@@m.layfette6249 eager to see how a younger Violet would be decked in "the bustle [late Victorian to early Edwardian], the crinoline [middle Victorian/Second Empire], and the leg of mutton sleeve [early Victorian]."
"Can there be a 'Downton Abbey' without the Dowager Countess?" That is the question now being asked by far-sighted executives as "A New Era" approaches the 100 million mark in revenue.
"I doubt we'll meet again."
"Do you promise?"
She is legend.
😂😂😂
One of my favorite scenes!!!!
@@morganswilley2728 But I keep forgetting the name of the male actor who is about to sweep away indignantly!
That was my favorite zinger.
@@salex9482 and her follow up with the comment on the vase "chef's kiss"
Lord Grantham: “Let's not argue.” Dowager: “I never argue. I explain.”
"You know me, never complain, never explain."
"You don't have much problem complaining."
No one, and I mean NO ONE could have done justice to this role other than the legendary Dame Maggie Smith. She is responsible for at least half of this show's success.
Edit: Dame Maggie Smith passed away today. RIP.
She's the reason I started watching. I've followed her career for several years. She's an amazing actress.
No one delivers sarcasm like the inimitable Dame Maggie Smith💖
I totally agree with you.
I adore her acting ,sarcasm the way she handle herself.
Magnificent.
Dame Judi Dench? Vanessa Redgrave?
@@nuschlerclark895 They are all good, but none of them are as sassy as this golden lady 😍
“You think I could have a drink? Oh, I’m so sorry I thought you were a waiter.” 🤣 My favorite line from her. 😂
You could say that to almost anyone now, at the very least in "Hollywood."
That "waiter" line made me laugh the hardest out of the entire series. 🤣
@@zapataattack5843 It could be a lack of understanding on my part, but do you know why Robert and Matthew’s outfits where inappropriate?
@@rickgauer4559They weren’t formal enough. Dinner is supposed to be white tie.
@@bradleywesterman4439 OH! I see. Thank you! 😁
"Don't be defeatist, dear, it's very middle class" - Maggie Smith is a Force of Nature ❤️
The writing is fantastic of course, but Maggie Smith’s delivery and comedic timing is what makes this such an iconic character, flawless actress
Absolutely Flawless & Priceless.
Very well said.....she is such a wonderful Actress!
She wrote her own come backs, and she is a stage actress which makes it a lot easier to transfer to movies and TV while the reverse isn’t that simple. Brits and the theater…can’t be beat!
"I'm looking forward to see your mother again, when I'm with her I'm reminded of the virtues of the English"
"but isn't she American?"
"Exactly"
☠
😂😂😂😂😂😂
RIP Maggie Smith🌹 a wonderful actress!
I initially thought she was some sort of villain, but she's actually the glue that holds the family together. Grand old lady; stern, clever, but surely caring in her own way.
late comment but yeah, Old Lady Grantham is the matriarch of the Crawley Family. Being an aristocrat born in the 1800s when Lords still had political authority, really toughened her up to become the way she is in the show. A terrifying old lady whose cold as ice, tough as nails, and as sharp as a razor.
I absolutely love her sarcasm
"My poor niece never uses one word when twenty will do."
so basically Rosamonde's spiritual kinswoman lol
When you're in school writing an English paper with a word minimum.
@@casper_z1259 preferably an essay with 300-500 words kkkk
"No Englishman would DREAM of dying in someone else's house"😅😅
Especially someone they didn't know
But just the colonists...
That quote sold the show to me.
That line was priceless...laughed so hard
@@anutripathiful Go away
“Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.” Priceless!
Sibyl’s comback tho: You started it😁
@@kbeautician Violet: shocked Pikachu face
Hear ! Hear !
A very relevant phrase today especially when most comedians rely on vulgarity
All the more significant to say at these modern times to the popular influencers
“I never take sides in a broken marriage. Because however much the couple may strive to be honest, no one is ever in full possession of the facts.”
Too true.
As a lawyer, I agree
Charles & Diana comes to mind!
“I doubt we’ll meet again”
“DO YOU PROMISE?” 😂😂😂
for real I had to write that one down 🤣🤣🤣
@@maybeitsalice 3:49
The best line of all not included...
Isobel: "How you hate to be wrong"
Dowager: "I wouldn't know. I'm not familiar with the sensation"
“Do you promise?” My very favorite line and you can see both Mary and Robert holding back the laughter!
Whilst thats brilliant three simple words my favourite is "an Englishman wouldn't DREAM of dying in someone else's house!" 🤣🤣
Who came here after reading the news of her passing. Thank you for gracing us with such presence, talent and laughter. Rest in Peace Countess
She made this show!!! Funny, when interviewed, she stated that after Downton she was “noticed” and “recognized” on a regular basis;)
She shall rest in peace she deserves
The writers must have LOVED writing for her!!!
I want to add
Isobel: 'I shall take that as a compliment...'
Violet: ' ...I must have said it wrong.'
"I have no wish to be a great lady."
"A decision that must be reinforced whenever you look in the glass."
My favourite 😂😂😂😂😂
"Classic Rosamond, she's never more righteous than when she's in the wrong."
"why do you always talk of me as if i were a salmon who laid my eggs in the gravel and then swam back to the sea" 😂
"If I were to search for logic I should not look for among the English upper class."
And this is proof that whether she plays a beloved Hogwarts Professor or the Dowager, Maggie Smith plays some of the most savage yet caring elderly ladies who the fandoms consider queens in their own right anyone has ever seen that no one can’t see a role played by anyone else
Indeed! The way she delivers her lines as Prof. McGonagall, especially when Harry and Ron show up late to class, is such low-key fire! Upon hearing lines like "Perhaps it would be useful to transfigure Mr Potter and yourself into a pocket watch. That way one of you might be on time", I know I'd be making a conscious effort to be on time to class. Besides, if you're late to anything where Dame Maggie Smith or her characters are present, you might miss all the low-key-sass action. 😁
Don't forget Mother Superior.
“DO YOU PROMISE?” That’s my absolute favorite come back of all time!! 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
"Principles are like prayers: noble, of course, but awkward at a party." I've never even seen a full episode of this show and even I know how great the Dowager is as a character. :D
And she delivers them all with a straight face. Dame Maggie is someone I would love to be able call "my friend".
“I will not suggest which of those callings the Princess Kuragin was most suited.” Lmao 🤣
"Do you promise?" Wow that was really priceless with her expression.
I don't know how Lady Mary kept a straight face!
I honestly hope there will be a Part 2 to this.
The Dowager has so many more comebacks left unshown, such as when she says to Robert "When you talk like that, I'm tempted to ring for Nanny and have you put to bed with no supper."
😆😂
😂😂😂
I hope you're right!!
this is my favourite comeback
The one that went something like, "Yes, I KNOW what campaigning is..."
"Mary, will you be campaigning as well? Or would you prefer to take in washing?"
What a legend. May she rest in peace. Time to watch everything she ever did as tribute.
The wardrobe of these characters is just phenomenal...
"Oh dear I'm afraid the war has made old women of us both."
"I wouldn't say that but then I always keep out of the sun."
THE SHADE!
@@kbeautician 🕶️🔥💜
Actually she's brilliant about that! Shirley Maclaine had had a face lift and looked frightful, Maggie Smith never had plastic surgery and looked human.
I didnt get it bc none of them are taned
@chillizora It's not the tan lines, more the wrinkles, frown lines, and crows feet around the eyes.
“one can’t go to pieces at the death of every foreigner. we’d all be in a state of collapse whenever we opened a newspaper”
RIP Dame Maggie Smith 😢 your dry wit and impeccable acting will be sorely missed. We will cherish your memories forever and your legacy will live on through your fans and future generations.
One of a kind. RIP beautiful lady.
"So what! I have plenty of friends I don't like."
That's my favorite
Rest in peace to an absolute icon❤
“Lawyers are always confident before the verdict. It’s only afterwards they share their doubts.”
"Why do you always talk of me as of I was salmon, who laid her eggs in the gravel then swam back to the sea?"
"Your quarrel is with my daughter Rosamund, not me."
"So put that in your pipe and smoke it!"
She has the best lines no matter what film she's in.
I was delighted to see her play professor McGonagal.
"I have never insulted anyone.I simply describe them, accureately."
There’s no Downton Abbey without Lady Dowager 🥹🙏🏻
then cry
Duh
"sorry about the vase."
"Oh don't be, don't be. It was a wedding present from a frightful aunt, I have hated it for half a century."
I love how she delivers that line you can hear the relief in her voice lol
These are excellent! She made the series a success, it wouldn't be half as good without her!
"....what is a weekend?" 🤣🤣🤣
Saturday and Sunday. Fortnight is 14 days.
Thanks for the reminder Orange&purple! Hilarious!
The skirmish of the swivel chair.
"Her innocence will protect her."
"For once I agree Cousin Isobel."
I love how they went from the 1st meeting "Mrs Crawley and Lady Grantham" to "Cousin Isobel"
'And so what? I have plenty of friends I don't like.'
That is actually very on point. The meaning of the words has shifted a bit: a 'friend' could just be an acquaintance with whom you'd exchange favors because, well, gotta stick together. What we call a friend today would have been called 'an intimate'.
"You'll be rewarded in heaven."
"The sooner the better."
September 27, 2024 😥💜🕊️
So sad to hear she has passed. Like many others I'm coming here to remember what a fantastic actor she was!
Maggie Smith is a star like no other. How incredible she is as The Dowager. The Dowager has the wit and tongue of sharp steel ,and is outrageously outspoken and opinionated. And how superbly Maggie Smith reveals her wise and caring side as well.
I finally watched this series for the first time along with both movies and thought it was very likely one of the best viewing experiences of my life.
"What you think I might have a drink."
"Dear me I thought you were a waiter."
An excellent example of great actors combined with great writing.
"I'm leaving in the morning Lady Grantham, I'll doubt we'll meet again."
"Do you promise."
In these situations, one can usually find an Italian who's not too picky
which makes me wonder + imagine an AU of a potential marriage discussion between the Granthams and the Salinas of "Il Gattopardo"
3:45
-“I doubt we’ll meet again”
-“Do you promise?”
it’s awesome😂😂😂😂
Such a great actress. My favorite character of the series . She has some witty lines in Agatha Christie’s Evil Under the Sun . She says to Diana Rigg regarding their chorus girl days ..” You always could kick your legs up higher than the rest of us girls …and wider “. Classic Maggie 😎😎😎
She's so lovely and witty in Evil Under the Sun
The fact that that Maggie and shirley in a scene together just makes me so happy.
Stunt casting. Shirley was out of place, and out of her league.
The icon, the legend and she is the moment.
They left out my favorite, “Edith, dear, don’t be defeatist. It’s so middle-class.”
the real MVP of Downton
OMG😢😢 Thank you so much for all the love and fun that you showed in your movies. I grew up watching your movies and made me have an interest in acting. May your soul rest in peace 🙏 😢
Needs updating--they saved her best two beauties for her death bed scene. "Everyone is talking so much I cant hear myself die"......then as she is taking her last breath "I dont want to be one of those people who say their goodbyes then never get in the car and leave"
Three. Her interaction with Maud was great too.
“Maud, what are you doing here?”
“You won’t believe me, but I shall miss you.”
“Or have you just come to check I’m on the way out?”
“Do You Promise?” “Yes, I should”. Never has such savagery been delivered with such few words😂
I have a favourite season 1/season 2 line, when the Dowager drops in to visit Cora unannounced:
"Good afternoon, dear"
"Good afternoon"
"There's no need to be so prim, I come in peace" hahaha
"Oh is her cooking so precisely timed, couldn't tell."
I cried at the end of the latest movie. She was my favorite!
I really want a series that is about the dowager countess and her journey … she narrates with a mix of the current and new cast
Yes! Yes! YES!!!
I'm thinking a prequel of how she became Lady Grantham.
Even my husband, who has not seen Downton, knows and thoroughly enjoys the Dowager’s most savage bits. This woman is a legend.
She is marvelous and I never ever get tired of her quips! Bless her heart.
By far my favorite character. Maggie Smith was just perfect for this role, I’m so sad she passed away. She will always be one of the best actresses in the world.
Isobel: "I think she's splendid."
Violet: "I think she's cracked."
"I might send her over to see my Aunt, she could get to know New York" "Oh I don't think things are quite that desperate"
Maggie Smith ! Downtown abbey owes its success in no small part to this beautiful lady and her talents.
RIP dame maggie smith. We are going to miss you very dearly. ❤❤❤
RIP to the great Dame Maggie. Thank you for your wit and your talents.
We love you, Maggie! Thank you for blessing us with your talent while you were on Earth. May your soul fly high. 💕
Her wisdom, charisma and wits are off the charts. The Dowager (or shall we say Cousin Violet =) is my favourite character in the show.
The delivery of her lines. The straight put downs and sarcasm is golden!
RIP to a legend.
"When may she expect an offer to appear on the London stage?"
I'm still in shock. You will be truly missed all over the world.
Her straight faced delivery of some of the lines shows what a brilliant actress she is. I'd be in fits of laughter trying to deliver some of them.
"Terrible idea she doesn't know anyone under a hundred."
under* a hundred
actual question, does "under a hundred" mean the British nobility/aristocracy in general???
@@盧璘壽로인수 Under a hundred years old meaning she only knows very old people.
@@mpb3481 thanks for the reply
I asked because the number could mean anything; and as I prowled thru the Internet, there was a (in)famous American society list called "The Four Hundred" connected with the Astors
She is priceless as the dowager a very talented lady her timing is impeccable
She is the brightest jewel of the crown..... I cannot express how much I adore this actress.... 💕💕💕💕
3 words...'Do you promise?'
Absolute perfection
Every line she delivers I crack up😂 love her!
I just read about her passing and found this video very comforting. God rest her soul
This woman is just brilliant. Irreplaceable even...
Came back here after hearing the news. The Dowager Countess was my favourite character. RIP Dame Maggie Smith
I love the progression of her friendship with Tom
She will be greatly missed in any future Downton productions
😥💔🎬
So sad to think the New Era would be the last Downton production in which we’ll see cousin Violet😢.
@@edanemorp1635 There's always the Downton Abbey Prequel. Of a younger actress shall play the Dowager Countess, but her voice and spirit will Always endure. 💜
@@m.layfette6249 eager to see how a younger Violet would be decked in "the bustle [late Victorian to early Edwardian], the crinoline [middle Victorian/Second Empire], and the leg of mutton sleeve [early Victorian]."
There IS no Downton Abbey without Maggie Smith.
The Dowager Lady Grantham was always my favorite character. Maggie Smith was perfect in this role.
RIP dear Maggie, you indeed will be rewarded in heaven ❤
RIP Dame Maggie Smith... Thanks for all the witty delivery as Dowager...
"Can there be a 'Downton Abbey' without the Dowager Countess?" That is the question now being asked by far-sighted executives as "A New Era" approaches the 100 million mark in revenue.
RIP Dame Maggie, and thank you for everything
RIP Dame Maggie Smith. No one could’ve delivered those lines with the wit she did.
This small vbideo shows one of the reasons we LOVE so much Downton Abbey.!! Greetings from Colombia