Sky Arts celebrate the life and work of Dame Maggie Smith

The channel is to air a celebration of her life and work.

Ain’t nothing like a dame, and in this case Sky Arts celebrate the work of Dame Maggie Smith.

The Discovering Film team in tonight’s thirteenth episode of this tenth series, turn their eye to one of the world’s most distinguished actresses – Dame Maggie Smith.

Beginning her career at the Oxford Playhouse in the 1950s, she would go on to star in over sixty films and television series with a veritable who’s who of actors.

Nominated for six Oscars® in her career and winning twice – for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and for California Suite in 1978 – there are few who have matched her success.

Dame Maggie’s ability to portray an acid-wit gave her memorable roles in her recent career, with a new generation now recognising her as the formidable Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, and the Dowager Countess of Grantham in the Sunday primetime television ITV favourite Downton Abbey.

Discovering Film Maggie Smith, Sky Arts at 9pm on Thursday 27th June.