Downton Abbey Star Maggie Smith Was Such A Stunner In The '60s

It's not often that an actor can boast about their career spanning more than seven decades, but then again, Dame Maggie Smith soared in rare air. Born in Essex in 1934, Smith forged her early career in the '50s at Oxford and then in London, and by the time the '60s rolled around, she'd started to garner international attention and accolades for her work — and for being an absolute fox. You could spend an afternoon getting lost in pics of Smith from the decade that exude her signature brand of cheeky wit and sophisticated poise. Ahead, we gathered photos of the actor at awards shows, movie premieres, and out and about in looks that beautifully capture the vibe of the era.

Sadly, Smith died in London in 2024 just months before her 90th birthday, but she'll forever be remembered for her roles in cultural juggernauts like the "Harry Potter" movies and "Downton Abbey." If you're wondering what the cast of "Downton Abbey" looks like in real life, we previously collected snaps of Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, and the show's other leading ladies out of period garb. As for Smith, let's go back in time and check out how the beloved thespian was gettin' on in the swingin' '60s.

In 1969, Maggie Smith attended the London premiere of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" with her then-husband and fellow actor Sir Robert Stephens. Smith's portrayal of the titular character would earn her a best actress Oscar in 1970. On this night, Smith worked the room at the premiere dressed in a royal-purple velvet coat dress, the collar trimmed in beads and sequins, and she rocked one of the best hair trends from the 1960s that you may have forgotten about: a copper-colored, gravity-defying layered pixie cut. Oh, and we're obsessed with her bubblegum-pink lip color and blush, too.

In an Old Vic Theatre snap from April 1960, Maggie Smith posed for a picture standing in front of a window dressed in a smart houndstooth skirt suit, with a silky collared blouse beneath the vest. She wore minimal makeup, save for a dark lip, and natural waves in her hair. Around this time, Smith was a regular performer at London's Old Vic Theatre. She appeared in a number of stage shows at the theater, including "What Every Woman Knows," "As You Like It," and "The Double-Dealer." 

Photogs caught Maggie Smith enjoying a cigarette and a glass of wine in January 1963 at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards in London. She looked like the picture of a star of stage and screen draped in a fur shawl of sorts and sporting a sky-high beehive hairdo decorated with a headband, a go-to look of the era. This was the same year "The V.I.P.s" was released. In the Hollywood film, Smith played Miss Mead opposite fellow legends like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Maggie Smith's signature quirky energy and charm were both on full display in the above shot taken in January 1963 in the U.K. That year, Smith starred in the Old Vic Theatre's production of "The Recruiting Officer." We don't have the details on what she was poring over wrapped in a cozy sweater and houndstooth coat — and wearing a witty grin — but it seems to be a well-worn script of some sort. It's fitting for the lifelong thespian who worked well into her 80s, if you ask us.

In March 1969, Maggie Smith won the title of best film actress of 1968 at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards, held in London. Smith earned the honor for her role as Patty in "Hot Millions," a film about a recently paroled fraudster up to a new scheme. Look closely and you'll see the hint of a baby bump poking out from beneath her simple yet chic long-sleeved dress. Smith welcomed her second son, Toby Stephens — a working actor who has appeared in "Die Another Day," "The Machine," and "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" — that April.

Actor Maggie Smith totally nailed the dreamy Old Hollywood black-and-white glamour shot with this portrait, taken around 1963. Smith offered perfectly coiffed hair — complete with tons of volume and side-swept bangs — big and sparkling eyes, and a seductive grin, helped by a rich lip color. We wish we could see the whole outfit, but judging by the bare shoulders and large polka-dot print, it's safe to say that Smith was serving up some serious glamour.

In January 1962, Maggie Smith worked the room at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards in London with a messy updo and a velvet dress that featured a nipped waist and a wrap bodice. Go ahead and add Smith's look to your list of celeb outfits from the '60s that define the era's style. We can imagine she was in good spirits that night as she'd win best actress for her performances in the double-billed one-act plays "The Private Ear" and "The Public Eye." It was the first of five Evening Standard wins for Smith.

Dame Maggie Smith ushered in the last year of the '60s in old-money style. She was photographed while out on the street in January 1969, keeping the cold temps at bay by wrapping her frame in a luxe-looking fur coat. The coat and her longer, more rounded 'do both seemed to hint at the disco era to come. After this snap, Smith would continue racking up credits and awards, and winning over new generations of fans, throughout the '70s and beyond.