One star of the popular TV show Downton Abbey who portrays the role of a Dowager, Maggie Smith, was recently honored by Queen Elizabeth II. She has already been declared a dame by the Queen of England but this time it is another honor hat she received from Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen officially welcomes the actress into the Order of the Companions of Honor.
The Order of the Companions of Honor only has 65 members who have the same distinction, and now Maggie Smith was one of its official and exclusive members. Thanks to Maggie Smith’s 60 years of outstanding dedication to the world of Cinema, shows, and theater. This ceremony held in Windsor. Other people who received prestigious awards include, Professor Stephen Hawking and painter David Hockney.
The 79-year old popular actress is popular and well known for her outstanding role as the Dowager Countess of Grantham on the British TV series “Downton Abbey”. But with her 60 years of experience in the world of films, she was first to be known and popular as Professor McGonagall, a popular character in the Harry Potter film series.
In 1989, Queen Elizabeth II made the actress a dame commander of the Order of the British Empire, wherein the title is equivalent to a female version of knighthood and allows her to have the rights to own the title of Dame, which is the female equivalent of Sir. It lets her use the “Dame” in front of her name. Michael Gambon, who played again Richard Harris role as Professor Albus Dumbledore, in five of the seven JK Rowling, Harry Potter films was also given an honor at the same ceremony.
On that day she was awarded, actress Maggie Smith can now add a “CH” right after her given name.
Smith started her on screen acting career in the year 1955 and continually appears on different TV shows in the next three decades. Also include some films that gave her an outstanding fame, including “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie that gives her, the first Oscar Award she would have in 1970. After that, she received another Academy award for her stunning performance in the movie “California Suite” in 1979. This only shows her hard works, dedication and debut as an award winning actress until today.
Now, the popular actress, Dame Maggie Smith is currently filming a brand new movie “The Lady in the Van”.