RIP Maggie Smith - “…one of those rare people who make things & places suddenly marvellous just by being there”

Still of Maggie Smith on Parkinson (1973)

Farewell to the one and only Maggie Smith (December 28, 1934 - September 27, 2024).

There are so many wonderful tributes to her online, including her zingers from Downton Abbey, I know “What’s a weekend?” is one of the most popular ones, but another top favourite of mine is “Why does every day involve a fight with an American?” 

When I found out she is mentioned with adoration in The Kenneth Williams Diaries, I found myself looking up all the diary entries about her (via archive.org). 

It includes insightful and touching observations about her as a person and an actor. You can read them below.

I also recommend you watch this clip from Parkinson of Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams reading Death in Leamington.

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 29 December 1962

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 27 March 1963

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 20 June 1964

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 30 November 1967

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 28 February 1969

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 3 April 1970

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 7 March 1971

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 23 December 1972

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 31 January and 6 February 1973

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 25 October 1976

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 5 March 1979

The Kenneth Williams Diaries: 8 October 1985