Maggie Smith: De Dame van het Britse Toneel

Maggie Smith, een icoon van het Britse toneel, zowel geliefd als gevreesd om haar scherpe humor en onnavolgbare talent, vierde tweeënnegentig lentes toen ik haar interviewde. Maar haar geest is even scherp als altijd, haar ogen fonkelend met een intelligentie die de tand des tijds heeft getrotseerd.
We ontmoetten elkaar in het National Theatre, waar ze op het punt stond te beginnen aan de repetities van een nieuw stuk. Ze was kleiner en fragieler dan ik had verwacht, maar haar aanwezigheid was onmiskenbaar. Ze verwelkomde me met een warme glimlach en gaf me een stevige handdruk.
"Ik ben blij je te zien, mijn liefste," zei ze met haar kenmerkende diepe stem. "We hebben elkaar al zo lang niet meer gesproken."
We settle into comfortable armchairs in her dressing room, and as we chat, I can't help but be struck by her humility. She speaks about her illustrious career with an almost disarming lack of self-importance, as if she's recounting someone else's story.
"I've been very fortunate," she says. "I've had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest actors and directors in the world. I'm truly grateful for every moment I've spent on stage."
Her career spans over six decades, during which she's played a staggering array of roles, from Shakespearean heroines to modern-day matriarchs. She's won countless awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. But despite all her success, she remains grounded and unassuming.
"I never set out to be a star," she says. "I just wanted to be an actress and tell stories. I'm not interested in fame or fortune. I just want to do my job well."
And she's certainly done that. Her performances are legendary, from her witty Mrs. Bennet in the BBC adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" to her formidable Professor McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" films. She's a master of both comedy and drama, and her ability to convey emotion with just a look or a gesture is unparalleled.
But behind the public persona of Maggie Smith, the Grand Dame of British theater, is a private person who values her family and friends above all else. She's been married to the actor Robert Stephens for over fifty years, and they have two sons, Chris and Toby, who are both successful actors in their own right.
"My family is my everything," she says. "I'm so grateful to have them in my life. They keep me grounded and remind me what's really important."
As our conversation draws to a close, I ask Maggie Smith what advice she would give to young actors starting out.
"Never give up on your dreams," she says. "No matter how difficult it gets, never stop believing in yourself. And remember, the most important thing is to tell the truth. If you can do that, you'll never go wrong."
With those parting words, Maggie Smith stood up and hugged me warmly. "It was lovely seeing you, my dear," she said. "Now go and make some magic yourself."
As I left the National Theatre, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the words of this extraordinary woman. Maggie Smith is a true legend, not only for her talent but also for her kindness, humility, and unwavering passion for her craft. She is a true treasure, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet her.