Sir Ian McKellen whipped out the incredible impression of Dame Maggie Smith on Graham Norton’s show
After the recent announcement of the death of legendary actor Dame Maggie Smith, many fans are now looking back through her most iconic moments.
The beloved film and stage star was known predominantly for her roles in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Sister Act.
Smith died today, September 27, at the age of 89. She passed away ‘peacefully’ in the hospital this morning, according to a statement issued by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.
When it comes to iconic moments, the late great actor has an absolute treasure chest to choose from.
Dame Maggie Smith was well-known for a wide range of roles, including Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter (Warner Bros)
Whether it be her incredible scenes in Harry Potter or Downton Abbey, brilliant interview moments, or hilarious put downs, she was a woman who was well known for creating memorable moments.
One that some fans are sure to be revisiting is her brutal joke at the expense of Sir Ian McKellen when he attended the Oscars in 2002 for The Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of the Ring.
The pair have been friends for many years, having worked together in the 90s on Richard III in 1995.
And McKellen whipped out an incredible impression of Smith when reenacting the story on The Graham Norton Show in 2017.
Lord of The Rings was nominated for 13 Oscars, including McKellen getting a nod for Best Supporting actor – before he lost out on the win to Jim Broadbent for Iris.
The X-Men actor explained a New Zealand tradition involving being given a green stone in order to bring about good luck, called a Pounamu.
He said: “If you’re lucky, when you leave, you’re given a green stone carved and you wear it often enough and chances are you’ll get back to New Zealand, that’s the idea, and it’ll bring you a bit of luck”.
McKellen wore his stone to the Oscars, where he ran into Smith.
Smith apparently asked him what the Pouunamu meant, to which he pointed out that it was supposed to be lucky.
Maggie Smith and Sir Ian Mckellen in 2018 (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Lacoste)
McKellen then described the Oscars experience, saying: “You sit there and sit there, and of course, everyone else wins the Oscar apart from you.”
He described coming out to see Smith for her to ‘point at him’ and say: “Didn’t work did it?”
His impression is outstanding, with comments on YouTube saying: “I can hear Maggie saying just that, her timing is always flawless.”
While another said: “Can’t stop laughing at his Maggie Smith impersonation.”
A third commented: “It’s incredible how for one minute I actually saw Maggie Smith behind Ian’s acting.
“That’s a good one over there.”’
