Paul Scofield - ©Theda Bara

The name I highlight in this post is that of British actor Paul Scofield, winner of the 1967 Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film “A Man for All Seasons” (1966), playing the respected British leader “Sir. Thomas More”. A very private man, Scofield avoided the spotlight and did not attend the Oscar ceremony to receive the statuette, remaining in England where he celebrated his victory with a glass of champagne at home, in the company of his wife, children and some friends.

In addition to the Best Actor Oscar for “A Man for All Seasons”, Paul Scofield won a Golden Globe, a Tony Award, and a BAFTA for the same film. Known for his Shakespearean performances, he achieved the “Triple Crown of Acting” (Oscar, Emmy, Tony). He also won two more BAFTA awards and one Emmy for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Male of the Species” (1969), playing the character “Sir. Emlyn Bowen, Q.C.”.

Paul Scofield has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 1770 Vine Street, in the Motion Pictures category.

Paul Scofield was born on January 21, 1922, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and died on March 19, 2008, in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom, at the age of 86.

Scofield was married only once, to the British producer and actress Joy Parker Scofield (1922-2012) from 1943 to 2008, when he left his wife a widow. Paul and Joy had two children: Martin (1945-), who became a professor of English and American literature at the University of Kent, and Sarah (1951-), who became a stage actress.

Ellen Burstyn - ©Theda Bara

The name I highlight in this post is that of the award-winning American actress Ellen Burstyn, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1975 for her performance in the film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), playing the protagonist “Alice Hyatt”.

In addition to the Oscar, Ellen has received numerous other awards, including two Emmys, a Golden Globe, a Tony Award, and a BAFTA, making her one of the few artists to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting”.

The actress does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fans and admirers have campaigned and petitioned over the years for her to receive this honor, recognizing her brilliant career as an Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner – the “Hollywood Triple Crown”.

Ellen Burstyn, stage name of Edna Rae Gillooly, was born on December 7, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, and is currently 93 years old.

The actress married three times, adopting her last husband’s surname as her stage name. Her first marriage was to the American poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, and visual artist William C. Alexander (1925-1988), from 1950 to 1957; her second marriage was to the American Broadway director and stage manager Paul Roberts (1928-), from 1958 to 1961. They adopted a son during their marriage, the now-actor Jefferson Roberts (1961-); and her third and final marriage was to the American actor, writer, and screenwriter Neil Burstyn, known professionally as Neil Nephew (1939-1978), from 1964 to 1972. In this relationship, Ellen faced tumultuous times with Neil, who suffered from schizophrenia and violent tendencies, and the marriage ended in separation, with her ex-husband committing suicide in 1978.

Liza Minnelli - ©Theda Bara

The name I highlight in this post is that of the award-winning American actress, singer, and dancer Liza Minnelli, who became world-famous in the 1970s for her portrayal of “Sally Bowles” in the musical film “Cabaret” (1972), a film that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1973. Liza is recognized for her powerful voice and impeccable performances, being considered one of the queens of Broadway and Hollywood.

Liza Minnelli is the daughter of the renowned actress Frances Ethel Gumm, better known by her stage name Judy Garland (1922-1969), and filmmaker Vincente Minnelli, pseudonym of Lester Anthony Minnelli (1903-1986).

Liza Minnelli, at 76 years old, made a moving appearance at the 2022 Oscars in a wheelchair alongside American singer, songwriter, and actress Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga (1986-), to present the Best Picture award, marking the 50th anniversary of “Cabaret”. Despite the warm reception, friends alleged that the star was “sabotaged” by the event's production, as she wanted to use a “director’s chair” and was forced to use a regular wheelchair (because the motorized chair could slip on stage during the presentation), all against her will.

In addition to the Oscar, Liza Minnelli won four Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical in 1965 and 1978, a Special Award in 1974, and an award for Best Special Event in Theatre in 2009. She also won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in 1973 for “Cabaret”; two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical in 1973 for “Cabaret” and Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film in 1986 for “A Time to Live” (1985); two Grammy Awards in 1973, in the category of Best Variety or Music Program for “Liza with a Z” and in 1991 for “Music Legend”.

The actress has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, in the Live Theatrical Performance category.

Liza May Minnelli was born on March 12, 1946, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, United States, and is currently 79 years old.

The actress has been married four times. Her first marriage was to Peter Allen (1944–1992), an acclaimed Australian singer, songwriter, and pianist, from 1967 to 1974; Liza Minnelli’s second marriage occurred in the same year as her separation, to Jack Haley Jr. (1933–2001), an acclaimed American director, producer, and screenwriter, from 1974 to 1979; her third marriage also occurred in the same year as her separation, to Mark Gero (1952-), an American sculptor without much talent, from 1979 to 1992; Finally, Liza married David Alan Gest (1953-2016), an American television promoter and producer, from 2002 to 2007. Liza Minnelli has no biological or adopted children.

Glenda Jackson - ©Theda Bara

The name I want to highlight in this post is that of British actress and politician Glenda Jackson, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress twice (1971 and 1974). In 1971, for her performance in the film “Women in Love” (1969/1970), playing “Gudrun Brangwen”, and in 1974, for her performance in the film “A Touch of Class” (1973), playing “Vickie Allessio”.

In addition to the two Oscars, Glenda Jackson also won a BAFTA for Best Actress in a Film for “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” (1972), as “Alex Greville”; and for Best Actress in a Television Series for “Elizabeth Is Missing” (2020), as “Maud Horsham”. Glenda won three Emmy Awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance in the acclaimed BBC series about the life of Queen Elizabeth I: “Elizabeth R” (1971/1972) and an International Emmy for “Elizabeth Is Missing” (2019); as well as a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in “Three Tall Women” (2018), by American playwright Edward Albee (1928-2016), marking her first win after several nominations, in a triumphant return to Broadway after years dedicated to politics as a member of the British Parliament.

Glenda Jackson, despite having an acclaimed acting career, winning the “Triple Crown of Acting” (two Oscars, three Emmys and a Tony), and also having been a member of the British Parliament for 23 years, does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an initiative of the American film industry that requires a nomination process and a sponsorship fee for the creation and maintenance of a star, and many renowned British artists do not have one.

Glenda May Jackson was born on May 9, 1936, in Birkenhead, United Kingdom, and died on June 15, 2023, in Blackheath, London, United Kingdom, at the age of 87.

Glenda Jackson was married to Roy Hodges (1942-2019) from 1958 to 1976. The couple had one son, the English newspaper columnist Daniel Jackson Pearce Hodges - Dan Hodges (1969-).

Barbra Streisand - ©Theda Bara

The name I present to you in this post is that of the multi-award-winning American actress, singer, songwriter, director, and film producer, Barbra Streisand, who won the 1969 Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film “Funny Girl” (1968), the only tie in the Best Actress Oscar, having shared the statuette with American actress Katharine Houghton Hepburn (1907-2003). Barbra played the role of “Fanny Brice”, a talented comedian and singer who rises from obscurity to become one of the most beloved artists on Broadway in New York; her second statuette came in 1977 for Best Original Song: “Evergreen” (1976).

In addition to 2 Oscars, Barbra Streisand won 10 Grammy Awards: Album of the Year, 1964, “The Barbra Streisand Album”; 1966, 1978 and 1987 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance; Song of the Year 1977 - “Evergreen”, Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group 1981, “Guilty”; Music Legend Award 1993; Lifetime Achievement Award 1995; Best Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program 1995 and 2001. - 10 Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical 1969, “A Star Is Born”, 1977, “Funny Girl”; Henrietta Award 1971, 1975 and 1978; Best Original Song 1973, “The Way We Were” and 1977, “Evergreen”; Best Director 1984, “Yentl”; Best Comedy or Musical Film 1984, “Yentl”; Cecil B. DeMille Award 2000. - 3 Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment 1965; Best Variety, Music or Comedy Special 1995, “The Concert”; Special Program 2001, “Reel Models: The First Women of Film”. - 1 Special Tony Award 1970.

The actress has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, in the Motion Pictures category.

Barbara Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, and is now 83 years old.

Barbra Streisand has been married twice, first to American actor Elliott Gould, born Elliott Goldstein (1938-) from 1963 to 1971. The couple has one son, American actor and film director Jason Emanuel Gould (1966-), and with her current husband, American actor Craig Kenneth Bruderlin, known professionally as James Brolin (1940-) since 1998.

Anne Bancroft - ©Theda Bara

The name I bring to you in this post is that of the award-winning American actress Anne Bancroft, winner of the Oscar for best actress in 1963, for her performance in the film “The Miracle Worker” (1962), playing the teacher “Anne Sullivan”, who tries to make “Helen Keller”, actress Patty Duke (1946-2016), a blind, deaf and mute girl, adapt and understand the world around her.

In addition to her two Academy Awards for Best Actress, Anne Bancroft won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama, 1965 for: “The Victors” and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, 1968 for: “The Graduate”; three BAFTA Film Awards Best Foreign Actress, 1963 for: “The Victors”, “The Miracle Worker”, 1965 and “I Never Saw You, Always Loved You”, 1988; two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety or Musical, 1970 for: “Annie, the Women in the Life of a Mande” and Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture, 1999 for: “Deep in My Heart”; and a Tony Award for Best Actress in a guest appearance in a play, 1958 for: “Two for the Seesaw”.

Anne Bancroft has her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6368 Hollywood Boulevard in the motion picture category.

Anne Bancroft, pseudonym of Anna Maria Louisa Italiano, was born on September 17, 1931 in the Bronx, New York, United States, and died on June 6, 2005, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in New York, United States, at the age of 73.

Anne Bancroft was married twice: the first time to Martin May (1922-1957), an American soldier and recipient of the highest American military decoration, from 1953 to 1957, from whom she was widowed; her second marriage was to the American actor, filmmaker and director Melvin James Kaminsky - Mel Brooks (1926-), from 1964 to 2005. The couple had one son, the award-winning American author Maximillian Michael Brooks - Max Brooks, born in (1972-).

Audrey Hepburn - ©Theda Bara

The name I bring to you in this post is that of the British-Belgian actress Audrey Hepburn, born in Ixelles, Brussels, she spent her childhood between Belgium, England and Holland. In Amsterdam, she studied ballet. In the 1940s, she made small appearances in several films, and also ended up starring in plays on Broadway, which greatly improved her performance as an actress.

Audrey, owner of one of the most striking eyes in cinema, finally saw her talent recognized by Hollywood in 1954 and won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in the film: “Roman Holiday” (1953), playing the role of the protagonist “Princess Ann”.

In addition to the 1954 Oscar, she won 2 Tony Awards: Best Leading Actress in a Play for: “Ondine” and the 1968 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement; 3 Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama 1954 for: “Roman Holiday”, 1955 Golden Globe Award: Henrietta Award and 1990 Golden Globe Award: Cecil B. DeMille; won 1 Grammy Award: Best Spoken Word Album for Children 1994 for: “Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales” and 1 Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Individual Performance in a News Program 1993 for: “Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn”.

Audrey Hepburn became wealthy through her talent in film and became a philanthropist for various social and humanitarian causes.

The actress has her star on the Los Angeles Walk of Fame at 1652 Vine Street in the Motion Picture category.

Audrey Hepburn, born Audrey Kathleen Hepburn-Ruston on May 4, 1929 in Ixelles, Belgium, died on January 20, 1993 in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, at the age of 63.

Audrey Hepburn was married twice and divorced twice. Her first marriage was to American actor Mel Ferrer (1917-2008), from 1954 to 1968, with whom she had a son, American film producer and author Sean Hepburn Ferrer (1960-); her second marriage was to Italian psychiatrist and neurologist Andrea Paolo Mario Dotti (1938-2007), from 1969 to 1982, with whom she had a son, Italian writer Luca Dotti (1970-).

Maggie Smith [Replay] - ©Theda Bara

Yesterday morning, September 27, 2024, at the age of 89, we lost actress Dame Maggie Smith, who will be remembered on stage and in film, as she herself liked to describe herself: an icon. Always acting with naturalness combined with emotion, common to the British, she always enchanted Hollywood. She was a “dart” that always hit the bull's eye with her brilliant performances.

With an extensive career in English theater and TV, on HBO in the United States, in Hollywood and on Broadway, Smith has appeared in over 60 films and over 70 plays and is one of the UK's most acclaimed, recognized and prolific actresses, which in more than seven decades, has won the Triple Crown of Acting: she has received the highest praise from acting experts in film, television and theatre, what more could an artist ask for during her career? An Oscar, right? And he came twice. Smith also won a Tony Award in 1990; three Golden Globes 1979, 1987 and 2013; and four Primetime Emmy Awards in 2003, 2011, 2012 and 2016.

In 1990, Maggie Smith was named a “Dame” by Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), for contributions to the arts, and in 2014 she was made a Companion of Honor for services to drama. Her first film appearance was in the British film: “Child in the House”, in 1956, as an actress without lines, at a party, even so, she stole the scene.

Her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress came in 1966 for her performance in the film adaptation of “Othello” (1965); five years later 1970, Smith would win the first Oscar this one for Best Actress for her performance in the title role of the film: “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969); in 1979 another Oscar, this one for Best Supporting Actress, in “California Suite” (1978), her character was: “Diana Barrie”. His other Oscar-nominated roles were: in “Travels with My Aunt” (1972), in 1973, character: “Aunt Augusta”; in 1986 “A Room with a View” (1985), interpreting: “Charlotte Bartlett”; and in 2002, in “Gosford Park” (2001), character “Constance Trentham”. She gained popularity playing half-blood Scottish schoolteacher, the witch “Minerva McGonagall”, in the "Harry Potter" film series (from 2001 to 2011). Other notable films include: “Death on the Nile” (1978), character: “Miss Bowers”; “Hook” (1991), character: “Wendy Moira Angela Darling”; “Sister Acts 1 and 2” (1992 and 1993), character: “Mother Superior”; “Secret Garden” (1993), character: “Mrs. Medlock”; “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 1 and 2” (2011 and 2015), character: “Muriel Donnelly”; “Quartet” (2012), character: “Jean Horton”; and “The Lady in the Van” (2015), character: “Mary Shepherd”.

Maggie Smith does not have a star on the Los Angeles Walk of Fame, but she has perpetuated her hands on Cinema 100, due to the series “Downton Abbey”, where the actress spectacularly gave life to the character: “Violet Crawley”. This award-winning series first aired on ITV in the UK on 26 September 2010 and on PBS in the US on 9 January 2011 (themed around the sinking of the Titanic in 1912). The final episode aired simultaneously in both countries on November 8, 2015.

 

Maggie Smith, born Margaret Natalie Smith, on December 28, 1934 in the city of Ilford, United Kingdom, died on September 27, 2024, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom, 3 months and 1 day before her 90th birthday.

Dame Maggie Smith was married twice, the first to British actor and also a Knight of the Queen: Sir Robert Graham Stephens (1931-1995) from 1967 to 1975, with whom she had two children, also actors Chris Larkin (1967-) and Toby Stephens (1969-). Maggie and Robert divorced and the couple's two children stayed with their ex-husband; in the same year of the separation, she was married from 1975 to 1998 with the English playwright and screenwriter Alan Beverley Cross (1931-1998), of whom she became a widow after 23 years together.

James Earl Jones - ©Theda Bara

The actor and voice actor I bring to you today began his career in a small town theater in northern Michigan and his talent took him to Hollywood.

Born on January 17, 1931, in the city of Arkabutla, Mississippi, United States, James Earl Jones passed away yesterday, Monday, September 9, 2024, in Dutchess County, New York, United States, at the age of 93.

Jones stuttered for many years as a child, but overcame his stutter after being encouraged by a teacher who made him read aloud for years. After overcoming his diction flaw, he became famous for his strong and distinctive voice, including the legendary “Darth Vader” in “Star Wars”, which also featured a paused breathing pattern created by the actor and voice actor. Jones was also the official announcer for CNN International.

His career began in theater and on stage, including many plays by William Shakespeare (1564-1615). He won two Tony Awards, in 1969 for “The Great White Hope” and in 1987 for “Fences”.

His first film role was in the 1964 film “Doctor Strangelove”, playing the character “Lt. Lothar Zogg”. This film began a career that earned him dozens of awards and recognition from the film industry.

In 1970, he was invited to play his first major role on the big screen: the boxer “Jack Jefferson”, in: “The Great White Hope”. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category, but he did not win. Although Jones did not win an Oscar for acting, he received an Honorary Oscar in 2011.

The actor and voice actor also had important roles in films such as: “Conan the Barbarian” (1982), playing the character “Thulsa Doom”; in: “Coming to America” (1988), playing the character “King Jaffe Joffer”; and “Admiral Greer” which he played three times in: “The Hunt for Red October” (1990); “WarGames” (1992) and “Clear and Present Danger” (1994).

For his television career, in 1991 he broke a record and became the first actor to win two Emmys in the same year: for his role in the series: “Gabriel’s Fire” and in the feature film: “Heat Wave”. As a voice actor, in 1977 he was chosen by George Lucas (1944-), creator of the “Star Wars” saga, to voice the character “Darth Vader,” even though he was not the actor inside the black suit. Jones also voiced the lion “Mufasa” in the 1994 animated film “The Lion King.” He has also voiced several characters on “The Simpsons”. Jones is also responsible for CNN’s US slogan, “This is CNN”, as well as “This is CNN International”, and the opening of the morning show CNN New Day. 

His career awards include two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Grammy Award. He has also received a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 1992, he received the National Medal of Arts from U.S. President George W. Bush [Sr.] (1924–2018), in 2019 he was honored by Disney.  In 2011, when James Earl Jones turned 80, he received an honorary Oscar for his career spanning over a hundred films and voiceovers.

James was married twice. First, to American actress and singer Julienne Marie (1937–) from 1968 to 1972, from whom he divorced; and to American actress Cecilia Hart-Ceci Jones (1948–2016) from 1982 to 2016, who left him a widower. From this relationship, he had one son, American actor Flynn Earl Jones (1982–).

James Earl Jones passed away without having his star on the Los Angeles Walk of Fame, a great injustice for this Hollywood icon.

Shirley Booth - ©Theda Bara

 

Lhe name I bring to you in this post is that of the American actress Shirley Booth, who began her career on Broadway in 1925, at the age of 27. Booth is one of the actresses who has won awards in all acting categories, having won an Oscar for Best Actress in 1953, for her performance in the film: “Come Back, Little Sheba” (1952), in the role of “Lola Delaney”; 3 Tony Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Theater in 1949, 1950 and 1953; 2 Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Drama and Best Actress Award in 1953; 2 Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Actress in the TV Series “Hazel” in 1962 and 1963.

Shirley Booth has her star on the Los Angeles Walk of Fame, at 6850 Hollywood Boulevard, in the Motion Picture category.

Shirley Booth was born on August 30, 1898, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, and died on October 16, 1992, in North Chatham, Massachusetts, United States, at the age of 93.

Shirley was married twice, first to American actor, comedian, writer and comic book author Ed Gardner (1901-1963) from 1929 to 1942, and then to politician and painter William Hogg Baker Jr. (1907-1951) from 1943 to 1951. The actress was never able to have children.

Judy Holliday - ©Theda Bara

The name I bring to you in this post is that of the American actress Judy Holliday, who won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1951, for her performance in the film: “Born Yesterday” (1950), in the role of “Emma Billie Dawn”.

The actress won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical in 1951, for: “Born Yesterday” (1950) and a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 1961, for: “Bells Are Ringing” (1960).

Judy Holliday has her star on the Los Angeles Walk of Fame, at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard, in the Motion Picture category.

Judy Holliday, born Judy Tuvin, on June 21, 1921, New York, United States, died on June 7, 1965, New York, United States, 14 days before her 44th birthday.

Judy Holliday was married to the American clarinetist, classical music and television producer, who also ran the Masterworks division of Columbia Records from 1950 to 1959, David Jerome Oppenheim (1922-2007) from 1948 to 1957. The couple had one son, the American film and television editor and producer, Jonathan Louis Oppenheim (1952-2020).

Ingrid Bergman - ©Theda Bara

The name I bring to you in this post is that of the award-winning Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, considered by many to be one of the greatest film stars of all time, famous for acting alongside Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957) in “Casablanca” (1942) winner of the Oscar for Best Picture in 1944.

The actress won three Oscar statuettes, two for Best Actress, in 1945 and 1957. “Gaslight” (1944) where she played the role of “Paula Alquist”, who after the death of her famous aunt “Miss Thwaites”, played by Mary Louise Webste, renowned British actress, better known as Dame May Whitty (1865-1948), who was an opera singer, “Paula” goes to study in Italy, where she meets and marries “Gregory Anton”, played by the French actor and singer, naturalized North American Charles Boyer (1899-1978); and for acting in the film: “Anastásia” (1956), in the role of the protagonist “Anastásia, Anna Koreff”; and also won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1975, in the film “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974) playing the character “Greta”.

In addition to the Oscar, Ingrid won the Primetime Emmy Award: 1960; three Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Drama Film: 1945, 1946 and 1957, and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Film: 1983; and a Tony Award for Best Leading Theater Actress: 1947

Ingrid Bergman has her star on the Los Angeles Walk of Fame, at 6759 Hollywood Boulevard, in the Cinema category.

Ingrid Adler Bergman, born in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, at 3:30 am on August 29, 1915, is the daughter of the German Friedel Henriette Augusta Louise Adler Bergman (1884-1918) and the Swedish artist and photographer Justus Samuel Bergman (1871-1929) who passed on his love for art to his daughter. Ingrid coincidentally passed away on the same day she was born: August 29, 1982, on the outskirts of Chelsea, London, United Kingdom, at the age of 67.

Ingrid Bergman was married three times. first with the Swedish-American neurosurgeon Petter Lindström (1907-2000) from 1937 to 1950; her second marriage was to Italian film director Roberto Rossellini (1906-1977) from 1950 to 1957, and finally she married Swedish theater producer and director Lars Reinhold Schmidt (1917-2009) from 1958 to 1975.

Ingrid had four children: former Swedish actress and journalist Friedel Pia Lindström (1938-) from her first marriage; and the twins: the Italian-American actress and former model Isabella Rossellini and the doctoral professor, the Italian Isotta Rossellini (1952-) and the businessman Renato Roberto Ranaldo Giusto Giuseppe ‘Robin’ Rossellini (1950-), all children from his second marriage.

Maggie Smith - ©Theda Bara

The actress that I bring in this post today, needs no further introduction. Dame Maggie Smith, is present whether on stage or in the cinema, with a natural talent combined with emotion, common to the British, who always enchant Hollywood.

With an extensive career in English theater and TV, on HBO in the United States, in Hollywood and on Broadway, Smith has appeared in over 60 films and over 70 plays and is one of the UK's most acclaimed, recognized and prolific actresses, which in more than seven decades, has won the Triple Crown of Acting: she has received the highest praise from acting experts in film, television and theatre, what more could an artist ask for during her career? An Oscar, right? And he came twice. Smith also won a Tony Award in 1990; three Golden Globes 1979, 1987 and 2013; and four Primetime Emmy Awards in 2003, 2011, 2012 and 2016.

In 1990, Maggie Smith was named a “Dame” by Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), for contributions to the arts, and in 2014 she was made a Companion of Honor for services to drama. Her first film appearance was in the British film: “Child in the House”, in 1956, as an actress without lines, at a party, even so, she stole the scene.

Her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress came in 1966 for her performance in the film adaptation of “Othello” (1965); five years later 1970, Smith would win the first Oscar this one for Best Actress for her performance in the title role of the film: “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969); in 1979 another Oscar, this one for Best Supporting Actress, in “California Suite” (1978), her character was: “Diana Barrie”. His other Oscar-nominated roles were: in “Travels with My Aunt” (1972), in 1973, character: “Aunt Augusta”; in 1986 “A Room with a View” (1985), interpreting: “Charlotte Bartlett”; and in 2002, in “Gosford Park” (2001), character “Constance Trentham”. She gained popularity playing half-blood Scottish schoolteacher, the witch “Minerva McGonagall”, in the “Harry Potter” film series (from 2001 to 2011). Other notable films include: “Death on the Nile” (1978), character: “Miss Bowers”; “Hook” (1991), character: “Wendy Moira Angela Darling”; “Sister Acts 1 and 2” (1992 and 1993), character: “Mother Superior”; “Secret Garden” (1993), character: “Mrs. Medlock”; “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 1 and 2” (2011 and 2015), character: “Muriel Donnelly”; “Quartet” (2012), character: “Jean Horton”; and “The Lady in the Van” (2015), character: “Mary Shepherd”.

Maggie Smith does not have a star on the Los Angeles Walk of Fame, but she has perpetuated her hands on Cinema 100, due to the series “Downton Abbey”, where the actress spectacularly gave life to the character: “Violet Crawley”. This award-winning series first aired on ITV in the UK on 26 September 2010 and on PBS in the US on 9 January 2011 (themed around the sinking of the Titanic in 1912). The final episode aired simultaneously in both countries on November 8, 2015.

Maggie Smith, born Margaret Natalie Smith, on December 28, 1934 in Ilford, UK. This year she will be 90 years old.

Dame Maggie Smith was married twice, the first to British actor and also a Knight of the Queen: Sir Robert Graham Stephens (1931-1995) from 1967 to 1975, with whom she had two children, also actors Chris Larkin (1967-) and Toby Stephens (1969-). Maggie and Robert divorced and the couple's two children stayed with their ex-husband; in the same year of the separation, she was married from 1975 to 1998 with the English playwright and screenwriter Alan Beverley Cross (1931-1998), of whom she became a widow after 23 years together.