New York, NY – November 1, 2024 – In recognition of Dame Maggie Smith’s extraordinary legacy and contributions to the theatre arts, the Broadway Theatre Owners Committee has announced that every Broadway theatre will dim its lights at 6:45 PM on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in her honor. An iconic performer cherished by theatregoers and admired by colleagues around the world, Smith passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89.
“Maggie Smith was a singular talent, whose artistry graced stages and screens alike with unmatched depth and wit,” said Robert E. Wankel, Chairman & CEO of the Shubert Organization, on behalf of his fellow theatre owners. “Her legacy as a remarkable actor and an inspiration to countless performers is indelible. Broadway joins her admirers worldwide in mourning her loss and celebrating her remarkable contributions. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who were touched by her work.”
A native of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, Smith began her illustrious career on stage, captivating audiences with her magnetic presence and nuanced performances. Her career in theatre, film, and television spans seven decades, and her achievements include two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs, and seven Olivier Awards, among many other honors.
Notable London stage performances include Private Lives, Hedda Gabler, Three Sisters, The Way of the World, and The Lady in the Van. On Broadway, she was celebrated for her performances in New Faces of 1956, Private Lives, Night and Day, and Lettice and Lovage, which earned her a 1990 Tony Award® for Best Actress in a Play.
Smith won two Academy Awards for the films The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978) and delighted new audiences worldwide as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise. Her role as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey earned her three Emmy Awards, further cementing her legacy in television. In films like Gosford Park, A Room with a View, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Maggie brought her characters to life with elegance and depth.
Dame Maggie’s remarkable work has left an enduring legacy, and she remains a beloved figure to generations of theatre lovers and fellow performers. Her Broadway biography can be found on the Internet Broadway Database.
The Broadway Theatre Owners Committee continues the tradition of Broadway dimming its lights as a gesture of respect and tribute to honor the passing of a prominent figure in the theatre community. When an actor, director, playwright, or other influential figure passes away, Broadway’s theatre owners select a date to dim their venues’ marquee lights, typically for one minute before the evening’s performances. This tradition, dating back to the early 20th century, symbolizes the individual’s contribution to the world of theatre and acknowledges the profound loss felt by the community. It’s a moment for both theatre professionals and audiences to reflect on the legacy and impact of the artist.
