In her last major role in a long career that has included many major roles on stage and screen, Maggie Smith played the widowed Countess Violet Crawley, the matriarch of the Crawley family Downton Abbey.

But the EGOT winner had a surprising take on this role, also playing Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies. “I am extremely grateful for the work in (Harry) Potter and indeed Downton but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel like I was acting in those things,” Smith, who died in September 2024 at the age of 89, previously said ES magazine in 2019 that her acting career took her by surprise. “To be honest, I have no idea where the urge came from.”

Speaking about her childhood in England, she continued: “It was such a horrible time and we didn’t go to the theatre. I once got into terrible trouble because the neighbors took me to the cinema on Sunday. But I had a wonderful teacher, Dorothy Bartholomew, who also taught Miriam Margolyes, and who encouraged me.”

It wasn’t just Smith’s portrayal that was on point Downton inimitably iconic and award-winning, she delivered many unforgettable quotes and slogans during her tenure in the Regency series. If you ask us, “What is a weekend” will always be famous – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Related: Take a look back at Maggie Smith’s most memorable roles over the years

Maggie Smith captivated audiences with her vast collection of roles on the big screen, small screen and stage. Despite appearing in major franchises like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, Smith had no desire to become famous. “I don’t feel any different than before, and I don’t know exactly what (…)

Keep reading to look back at Smith’s most memorable Downton zingers we still keep thinking about:

“But what is a weekend?”

When the Grantham family sits down with new abbey heir Matthew (Dan Stevens), the lawyer reveals that he will have ‘plenty of time’ to handle the estate matters over the weekend. Violet then interjects perfectly and asks about the definition of a weekend.

‘I’m a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I want.”

While helping granddaughter Mary (Michelle Dockery) attempt to move on after Matthew’s death, Violet dropped some pearls of wisdom about finding a partner.

“There is nothing easier than avoiding people you don’t like. Avoiding your friends is the real test.”

Violet also gave Us advice on the ease of running away from enemies.

“A woman my age can face reality better than most men.”

Violet cut this line after her relatives realized she was listening in on their conversation.

“Vulgarity is no substitute for humor.”

As granddaughter Edith (Laura Carmichael) was planning to marry Sir Anthony (Robert Bathurst) in season 3, Ediths’ sister Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) joked that she probably wouldn’t sleep much in the next few days. However, Violet wasn’t a fan of the innuendos.

‘I don’t hate him. I just don’t like him. That is very different.”

Violet reminded us that it is possible to be polite and still maintain distance from someone.

“You sound like Mrs. Bennett.”

Violet dropped a subtle reference to Jane Austen’s Pride and prejudice character in season 5.

‘You are a woman with brains and reasonable abilities. Stop whining and find something to do.”

Again, Violet always provides the motivation.