Maggie Smith: Playing McGonagall in ‘Harry Potter’ was not satisfying

• Maggie Smith once said that acting in the “Harry Potter” films was not “satisfying” for her.
• “I didn’t really feel like I was acting in those things,” the late star said in a 2019 interview.
• She added that she and Alan Rickman used to complain that their work on films was mostly reaction shots.

Dame Maggie Smith is remembered for her no-nonsense portrayal of Professor McGonagall after her death at the age of 89.

However, the British actor once said that her work in the “Harry Potter” films was not “satisfying” for her as an actor.

In 2019, the two-time Oscar winner told the Evening Standard that while she appreciated the opportunity to be cast in the beloved franchise, it didn’t challenge her creatively.

“I’m deeply grateful for the work on ‘Potter’ and indeed ‘Downton,’ but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying,” she said, also referring to “Downton Abbey.”

“I didn’t really feel like I was acting in those things,” she said.

She added that she and her co-star Alan Rickman, who played Professor Severus Snape, would always complain that most of their scenes were made up of reaction shots.

The late actress said the most enjoyable aspect of being part of the wizarding world was seeing her grandchildren’s reactions.

Smith was also known for her role as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the period drama Downton Abbey.

She won two Academy Awards during her career – winning one for best actress for her performance in 1969’s “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and best supporting actress for her role in “California Suite” in 1978.

He also won multiple Emmy Awards for his role in “Downton Abbey.”

Smith’s family confirmed her death to Business Insider in a statement sent by her agent.

“She died peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27,” the statement said. “An extremely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.”