Dame Maggie Smith obituary: A piercing presence on stage and screen

One of Britain's best loved performers who was as much at home with comedy as with drama.

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It was said of her that she never took a role lightly and would often be pacing around at rehearsals going over her lines while the rest of the cast was on a break.

In a profession notorious for its uncertainties her career was notable for its longevity.

She made her acting debut in 1952 and was still working six decades later having moved from aspiring star to national treasure.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crggzy42v30o

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