Maggie Smith's iconic Downton Abbey quotes as the Dowager Countess

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

But the EGOT winner had a surprising take on the role, also playing the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall Harry Potter Films. “I am deeply grateful for the work done (Harry Potter and actually Downton but it was not what one would call satisfactory. I didn't really feel like I was acting in these things,” Smith, who died in September 2024 at age 89, previously said ES Magazine In 2019 she was surprised by her acting career. “Honestly, I have no idea where the urge came from.”

She spoke about her childhood in England: “It was a terrible time and we didn't go to the theater. I once got into terrible trouble because the neighbors took me to the movies on Sundays. But I had a wonderful teacher, Dorothy Bartholomew, who also taught Miriam Margolyes and encouraged me.”

It wasn't just about Smith's performance Downton Inimitably iconic and award-winning, she delivered many unforgettable quotes and catchphrases 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 extensive 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 be famous. “I don't feel any different than before, and I'm not quite sure what (…)

Read on for a look back at Smith's most memorable work Downton Zingers we can still think of:

“But what is a weekend?”

As the Grantham family sits down for dinner with new Abbey heir Matthew (Dan Stevens), the lawyer reveals that he will have “plenty of time” on the weekends to take care of the estate matters. Then Violet chimes in perfectly and asks about the definition of a weekend.

“I am a woman, Mary. I can be as opposite as I want.”

While helping granddaughter Mary (Michelle DockeryAs Violet tried to move on after Matthew's death, she dropped some pearls of wisdom about dating.

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

Violet also gave us advice on how to move away from enemies more easily.

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

Violet bursts out this line after her relatives notice that she has been listening to their conversation.

“Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.”

As granddaughter Edith (Laura Carmichael) planned to marry Sir Anthony (Robert Bathurst) in season 3, Edith's sister is Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) joked that she probably wouldn't get much sleep in the coming days. Violet wasn't a fan of the innuendo, however.

“I don't like him. I just don't like him. Which is completely different.”

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

“You sound like Mrs. Bennett.”

Violet dropped a subtle reference to Jane Austen pride and Prejudice character in season 5.

“You are a woman of intelligence and sensible abilities. Stop whining and find something to do.”

Once again, Violet always provides the motivation.