Dame Maggie Smith to be made a Companion of Honor by the Queen

by · June 13, 2014

Dame Maggie Smith, who played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Potter films, has been made a Companion of Honor by Queen Elizabeth II. The actress is set to receive the award in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List, which will be published tomorrow. The award, one of Britain’s top honors, is in recognition of her magnificent stage, film, and TV career, which has spanned over six decades.

The Companion of Honor Awards were founded by the Queen’s grandfather, King George, in June 1917 in recognition of outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, and politics. They are awarded to only 46 people at a time. New admissions come only with another’s death, and the Queen is understood to have major say in who receives the prestigious honor.

The award has previously been given to fellow veteran actress Dame Judi Dench, Olympics star Lord Sebastian Coe, and Sir Ian McKellen. After making her stage debut in 1952, Dame Smith has appeared in over 50 films. She has won two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes. The actress was given a CBE in 1970 and made a Dame in 1990.

What are your favorite roles of Dame Maggie Smith? Let us know in the comments.