Shepperton Studios Introduces the New Maggie Smith Stage

Shepperton Studios has unveiled The Maggie Smith Stage in a tribute to the cherished British actress, known for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. The private ceremony was attended by Smith’s close friends and family, including her sons Toby Stephens and Christopher Larkin.

Maggie Smith had a long-standing association with Shepperton Studios, as well as its sister studio Pinewood, where she filmed memorable works such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, and The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987), for which she received a BAFTA. Her extensive filmography also includes projects like Othello (1965), Clash of the Titans (1981), The Secret Garden (1993), and Gosford Park (2001).

The beloved actress, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 89, left behind a remarkable legacy marked by two Oscars, five BAFTAs, four Emmys, and a Tony Award.

In a statement, her sons expressed their gratitude, saying, “We are deeply touched by this recognition. Our mother would have been honoured to have her own stage at Shepperton, a place she had fond memories of and that means so much to the industry she dearly loved.”

The Pinewood Group, which owns Shepperton Studios, acknowledged Smith’s significance, stating, “Dame Maggie Smith is a national treasure and one of the finest actors of her generation. Her connection to both Shepperton and Pinewood Studios is deeply woven into our history, and we are honoured to recognise her contribution by naming The Maggie Smith Stage.”