Beloved British actor of stage and screen Maggie Smith died last week at age 89. Though the Oscar-winner had a long and successful career, it wasn't until she was in her 70s that she got approached by scores of fans. "It only happened to me since Downton Abbey, so I blame the whole thing on television." We revisit Dave Davies' 2016 interview with Smith. Also, we remember singer, songwriter, and actor Kris Kristofferson. He was a Rhodes Scholar, and an Army Ranger before taking a chance at songwriting. "Me and Bobby McGee" is perhaps his most famous song, recorded by Janis Joplin. He told Terry Gross in 1999. Also, John Powers reviews the new film Wolfs, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt on Apple TV+. To keep up with what's on Fresh Air and get a peek behind the scenes, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
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I'm Dave Davies.
Maggie Smith, the renowned british actress best known to american audiences for her roles in the Harry Potter films in the masterpiece series Downton Abbey, died last Friday in London.
She was 89.
In a career that spanned nearly seven decades, she won two Academy Awards for the prime of Miss Jean Brody and California Suite.
Among her many other films are a Room with a View, Gosford park, the Secret Garden, and the best exotic Marigold hotel.
She was recognized for her stage and television performances with a host of Tony and Emmy nominations and awards.
We very nearly didnt have Maggie Smith in our archive.
She was available in 2016 to promote a film, but we were told she wouldnt sit for a long interview about her career.
She couldnt imagine why anyone would want to talk to her for an hour.
She finally agreed with two days notice, and I recorded the interview.
Well hear now.
Well begin with a scene from Downton Abbey.
She played an elderly countess in an aristocratic british family and won three Emmys with her sharp tongued witness.
Here she's speaking with Lady Grantham, played by Elizabeth McGovern.