Sheridan Smith has opened up about a deeply personal moment she shared with the legendary Dame Maggie Smith during the filming of Quartet. The acclaimed actress recalled how Smith's kindness helped her navigate moments of self-doubt on set.
"I was incredibly nervous," Smith admitted, reflecting on her experience working alongside acting royalty. "But Dame Maggie noticed and took me aside."
The late Oscar-winning actress, known for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, offered simple but profound advice that stayed with Smith: "She told me, 'Just be yourself. That's why they wanted you.'"
This heartfelt exchange occurred during the making of the 2012 musical drama Quartet, which featured an ensemble cast of British acting legends including Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins.
Smith, now 42, described how Dame Maggie's words became a touchstone throughout her career: "Coming from someone of her stature, it gave me the confidence I needed. She had this incredible ability to put people at ease."
The emotional revelation comes as Sheridan Smith continues to establish herself as one of Britain's most versatile performers, with recent acclaimed performances in theatre, television and film.
Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away earlier this year at age 89, was renowned not just for her acting prowess but for mentoring younger performers. This touching anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the personal connections behind the scenes of British cinema.
