Maggie Smith once bared all as she went topless for a role in a Hollywood film.
The late actress starred as Diana Barrie in the 1978 American anthology comedy film California Suite. The movie, directed by Herbert Ross, focuses on the dilemmas of guests staying in a suite in a luxury hotel.
During the film, Dianna, a first-time Academy Awards nominee, worries about her Oscar nomination as her husband (Michael Caine) comes out as gay.
In one scene, Maggie’s top half was completely exposed as her character is seen in the bathroom naked before putting clothes on.
Maggie’s incredible wit and sharp performance in the film bagged her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also scooped a Golden Globe for her performance.
Maggie, an Oscar-winning star of stage and screen, died aged 89 in September.
A statement from her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, said she died peacefully in hospital and they were “devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother”.
It said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
They concluded: “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Paying tribute, Maggie’s Harry Potter co-star Danielle Radcliffe said: “She was a fierce intellect, had a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.
“I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set.
“The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”
The actress’s career has spanned more than seven decades after she first appeared on stage in 1952.
