From the archive: Maggie Smith’s 1972 RT interview

As a seasoned observer of the arts, I find myself deeply moved by the captivating narrative of Maggie Smith, a veritable titaness striding the hallowed grounds of the British theatre. Her life story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an artist who has navigated the treacherous waters of professional and personal unions with grace and fortitude.

Devotion isn’t particularly flashy; instead, it embodies persistence and effort, and there’s nothing showy about putting in hard work.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Maggie Smith is an unwaveringly committed actress and a diligent career woman. Part of the reason for her commitment has resulted in her accomplishing much more than many other actresses. Yet, despite her extensive body of work, she seldom receives recognition on the street, and paparazzi never chase after her on Kings Road.

If you imagine her face at this moment, it’s likely that you’ll envision instead Olivier Award-winning Desdemona (Oscar-winning), Miss Jean Brodie in a chilling portrayal, an icy Hedda Gabler, and soon, the wise Portia in the BBC1 production of The Merchant of Venice. However, you’re unlikely to picture the quick-witted redhead who effortlessly transforms these roles.

Her remarkable ability to adapt to different roles professionally has left some critics bewildered, leading to her being repeatedly found and then found again following every significant milestone in her career.

From the archive: Maggie Smith’s 1972 RT interview

She humorously replied with a hint of dryness in her tone, “Nope, I’m rarely recognized on the street. I guess I’m just invisible or insignificant to people.

In a vast, cold rehearsal room at the BBC, adorned with schoolroom items and bathed in the gloomy North Acton light, it was apparent that the solitary figure, Miss Maggie Smith, was far from being what one might expect.

She showed up early and was busy; her small frame, bent over with concentration, was nestled among long, tense fingers. Despite her petite appearance, she exuded anything but fragility. It’s easy to envision other actresses trembling at the sight of her during auditions. And it’s just as easy to believe that some of the theater world’s most esteemed directors found their “Miss Maggie Smith” to be far more than a blank canvas waiting for a stroke.

Different from most of her peers, Miss Smith doesn’t have a theatrical fascination with her profession; instead, she genuinely enjoys it, and her comprehension of it lacks any air of excitement or star-struckness.

I’m never recognised in the street. I’m a sort of nothing, I think. I don’t make any impression at all really

She went on to say, “It’s unfortunate that many enter this field unaware of its challenges.” She admitted, “I was one of them too. They picture glamour, makeup, and such trappings. But the reality is far more demanding.

As a devoted cinephile, I can relate to the gritty reality that those early, frosty mornings demand an unwavering commitment. There are moments when I’d rather stay tucked under my blankets, but the love for this craft propels me forward, even when I’m not feeling my best. In other professions, one might request a day off, but here, dedication and passion fuel our endeavors.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself pausing to take a puff from my cigarette – truth be told, I tend to smoke rather frequently, in bursts. Much like any compulsive worker, Miss Smith seems to prefer keeping her thoughts and dexterity engaged in some activity or another consistently.

Location work may not be as glamorous as it appears. I recall chilly mornings in Spain all too well! Strangely, the more one works, the more anxious they become. Initially, one might feel overconfident about acting, but it’s only after putting in a lot of effort that nerves start to fray.

Maggie Smith, who hails from Ilford, has a notable connection to the stars. Lynn Fontanne, another renowned actress, was born nearby at Woodford, albeit much earlier. The Smith family later relocated to Oxford, where her father worked as a pathologist at the university and young Margaret attended school. Acting seems to be an integral part of Maggie’s being, as she can’t quite recall her initial role on stage, but she does remember being deemed “too simple-minded” for school plays, in her own humorous words. Maggie recalls, “I don’t think there was ever a time when I didn’t want to be an actress. I didn’t grow up in a theatrical family, but perhaps that made it easier. My very first role? Was it the porter in Macbeth? Let me think… Or Puck or Portia? I know I quickly mastered the art of stealing the spotlight when I was cast as the page in Twelfth Night.

Under the puzzled blessing of her parents, Miss Smith enrolled at Oxford Playhouse School and later, at the age of 18, joined Oxford Rep. There, she was a budding talent, brewing tea and managing brooms backstage. Eventually, she made a significant leap from Oxford to Broadway in the ’56 edition of the New Faces revue. From that point on, her career seemed to touch more critical milestones than most artists ever experience.

In awe, I find myself admiring her, as she casually showcases an impressive collection of accolades. Yet, her humble demeanor towards these honors is truly endearing. Remarkably, a renowned critic dedicated an entire article to praise her performance of just two words – the challenging “Kill Claudio” from Much Ado about Nothing, which undeniably showcases her exceptional talent as an actress.

Miss Smith has maintained her quick-wittedness across comedy, tragedy, film, theatre, and television, even lending her voice to the moving “recruiting song” in Richard Attenborough’s movie of Oh What a Lovely War. Interestingly, it is the versatility of her achievements, the consistent quality of her talent, and her own intellect that have prevented her from achieving “superstar” status, characterized by being widely recognized in stores like Harrods or swarmed at airports.

I read the critics and I do care. When I know they are right, I try to adjust

Besides working in film, I also find fulfillment in theatre. Switching between mediums keeps things interesting for me. I take critics’ opinions into account, and when I agree with them, I make necessary adjustments. Long-running plays can be frustrating because an actress has a limited amount of time to play the roles she desires within her age range; every moment counts. And let’s not forget about the importance of having children – they help prevent one from becoming stale.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: Maggie Smith, much like other great actresses, finds solace at home as the wife of Robert Stephens. Their professional paths intertwine, as he too is a colleague at the National Theatre. While some might view this as a potential pitfall in a union, Mrs. Stephens cherishes the benefits and wouldn’t trade their unique partnership for anything else.

“Is it common for people to keep their office doors shut? I can’t help but wonder if my conversation topics would be as interesting to someone like a dentist, who presumably talks about teeth quite often.

When Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are both busy with their respective projects – he with a film and she with a play – they might encounter each other on the stairs of their home in Chelsea. As successful actors, they’re so engrossed in their work that they find it inappropriate to grumble about it. Even though early mornings aren’t Mrs. Stephens’ favorite time, Miss Smith playfully teases her a bit about it.

From the archive: Maggie Smith’s 1972 RT interview

Waking up with the sun makes me feel quite unwell, similar to morning sickness, yet there’s not much work to do. Still, I consider myself fortunate to have any work at all,” said one of England’s most consistently reliable and adaptable actresses.

In one of her own antique, homely armchairs, surrounded by a collection that appears more like family heirlooms than intentional decor, Miss Smith expresses her genuine cheerfulness more openly compared to when she’s at work. An authentic oak doorstop in her living room allows her to listen to the antics of her energetic sons downstairs.

Miss Smith points at the photo of a playful red-haired boy named Toby on the mantel, her gaze filled with affection, and says, “Indeed, Toby seems destined for acting. He’s quite eccentric. If either he or his brother Christopher express an interest in acting, I wouldn’t try to influence their decision one way or another.

Due to her busy work schedule, Miss Smith surprisingly spends a significant amount of time at home. Whenever she manages to find a moment amidst rehearsals and shows, she cherishes being with “children and nannies”. Her lifestyle, along with her husband, is generally quieter, favoring home comfort over social outings.

She mentioned that she dislikes attending plays because it makes her feel confined, and added humorously, “And I must admit, I’m not the least bit starstruck.

It’s no secret to her peers that Miss Smith is a diligent and punctual rehearser. While she excels at it, she prefers the continuous flow of stage performances and most television work over the unpredictable, stop-and-go nature of filming.

I prefer tackling tasks in large, continuous stretches rather than numerous short breaks. Constantly stopping for meals or tea breaks doesn’t suit me well. Working in quick, frequent intervals, like they do in film production, leaves me feeling drained and wasting time.

With a smile on her face, she openly acknowledges that she doesn’t have any hobbies to speak of. Despite her liking for cooking, she won’t hesitate to share that her husband is more skilled in the kitchen. Her wardrobe and personal style are simple and functional, reflecting a busy woman’s preference for casual, unpretentious clothing. Her color choices lean towards earthy tones such as beige, brown, and muted autumn hues, a choice often associated with redheads.

Upon encountering her, I was charmed by her curiosity, her intellect, and her warm smile. It’s almost surprising to recall that Miss Smith is an actress, known for her boldness, wildness, and occasionally scandalous reputation. However, conversing with Maggie Smith, the diligent professional, reveals that life on the stage is far from what one might assume; instead, it requires a great deal of dedication and resilience.

2024-10-03 15:34

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