Maggie Smith: 12 Photos of the Actress in the Early Days of Her Career

Perhaps you know her for her role of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, or maybe you even recognize her face for her work on the stage over the years, but either way, one thing is certain: Maggie Smith has been destined for stardom since she was a young actress.

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Studying her craft at the Oxford Playhouse School, her skills led her to prominent roles on the stage early in her career. While her first film role came in 1958's Nowhere to Go, it was her 1969 role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie that put her on the map and earned her her first Academy Award.

From that point forward, Smith went from young stage actor to international star. Some of the films you've likely seen her shine in over the years include A Room With a View (1985), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), The Secret Garden (1993), The First Wives Club (1996) and many more.

Here, take a look back at Smith's early days as a young actress!

Maggie Smith young

1957: All smiles with Maggie

The darling actress looks dapper in white gloves as she gives the camera a smile. Between 1957 and 1958, she held a lead role in Share My Lettuce, a London revue.

1958: A leading lady of the screen

The stunning actress made her film debut in 1958's Nowhere to Go. Prior to this, she had made appearances on various TV shows.

1965: On-stage starlet

The actress in the role of Beatrice in a London production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

1965: Shakespearean sweetheart

In the 1965 film adaptation of the National Theatre Company's performance of Othello, Smith brings to life Desdemona.

1966: Practice makes perfect

Actor Robert Stephens practices throwing a fake punch at Maggie Smith for an on-stage performance. Smith was married to Robert Stephens between 1967 and 1973.

1969: An award-winning performance

For her role in the film, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

1970: Maggie Smith gives glitz and glamour

The actress stuns in a feathery get up complete with pearl embellishments — Smith embodies a young Hollywood star!

1970: A mother-son bond

Smith poses with her young son, Chris Larkin, in this photo dating back to 1970. We can't get enough of that fur coat!

1971: Starlet overload

Maggie stands alongside Ingrid Bergman, known for films like Casablanca (1942) and Spellbound (1945), at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards dinner. The actress is seen holding an award for Best Actress for the part she played in Hedda Gabler.

1972: Maggie Smith shows her pout

Smith takes on the role of Aunt Augusta in Travels With My Aunt.

1973: Maggie Smith looks casual yet stunning

The natural beauty looks laid back and adorable in a thick cardigan and short haircut in this 1973 flick.

1979: Famous friends

The accomplished English actress sits alongside fellow actor Alan Alda. Alda is perhaps best known for his leading role of Hawkeye Pierce in beloved sitcom, M*A*S*H.

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