Actress Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89

Dame Maggie Smith began her career as a prompt girl and understudy at the Oxford Repertory, but never went on stage as no one fell ill.

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In 1955, she was noticed by American producer Leonard Stillman, who cast her in New Faces on Broadway.

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After returning to London, she appeared in Share My Lettuce with Kenneth Williams.

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Her first film role was an uncredited part in Child in the House (1956).

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In 1958, she was nominated for a BAFTA for her role in Nowhere to Go.

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She gained attention for her role in The VIPs (1963), nearly overshadowing Richard Burton.

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Laurence Olivier cast her as Desdemona in Othello (1963), earning her an Academy Award nomination.

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