(Photo: Getty Images) 
The Downton Abbey movie sequel premieres this week and you can look for original cast members like Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery, among the returning actors. At one point, Dame Maggie Smith wasn’t quite sure if she wanted to take part in the big picture adaptations. But, as one does, she changed her mind. And, we are so pleased she did.
So much so, that we’ve jotted down 10 reasons why, which you can take a gander at below:
1. She has such a presence.

Smith has been starring in TV and films since 1955. But, it’s not just her on-screen presence that's outstanding. She’s the sort of person who walks into a room and the room stops. Her driving force is seen in the above interview, where she discusses how self-critical she can be when it comes to her performances. 
2. She’s gracious.

In 1969, Smith won the Best Actress Oscar for her starring role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. In the above clip, she expresses her appreciation of the honor but also acknowledges how gutting it is for those nominated to miss out and leave empty-handed. She describes it as a “terrifying experience.”
3. She’s serious about her work.

Smith is a bit of a perfectionist, but she’s reasonable about expectations. In an interview with NPR, she explains the thought process, saying, “I probably drive everybody mad and go on and on and on and want to do another take and - because I never feel that it's right. So I always feel huge pressure. It's an odd feeling, but when you're there and you're having to do it, the choice you make has to be absolutely right. And of course, it can't be.”
4. Her work speaks for itself.

We’re happy to see her return to Downton Abbey, because she’s just that good. The storyline wouldn’t be the same without her, as you can see in the official trailer, she’s the driving force. The Dowager Countess, Violet Crawley, has inherited a villa in the South of France. The family packs up for a getaway. 
5. She has a great sense of humor.

In 2016, Smith won an Emmy Award for her performance in the Downton Abbey TV series, but she was unable to accept the honor in-person. Host Jimmy Kimmel jokingly held her statue hostage, saying, “Maggie, if you want this, it will be in the lost and found.” Following the ceremony, she wrote an acceptance speech, saying, “'I was very astonished and pleased to win the award. I feel the Emmys have been overly generous to me. If Mr. Kimmel could please direct me to the lost and found office I will try and be on the next flight. Love, Old Maggie.”
6. She’s no “sissy.”

Smith has taken to the stage and starred in TV and film. She shares her thoughts on all three, saying in an interview with The Independent, “Wherever I got the idea that working in film or TV would not be so stressful as the theater, I do not know. It’s an incredibly tough life. Bette Davis was right. Old age is not for sissies and old age is not for television because it is so relentless.”
7. But, she is sassy.

Smith had a catch-up with friends Dame Judi Dench, Dame Eileen Atkins and Dame Joan Plowright in the 2018 documentary Tea with the Dames. In one scene, we hear Dench say, “We’re going to work forever, if we’re asked.” Smith chimes in, “But, you’re always asked first.” Dench advises her friend, “Don’t turn.” Completely deadpan, Smith gives one more joking jab, replying, “I’m turning on you.”
9. She has her shy moments.

Smith takes center stage on-screen, but in public she takes a step back. In an interview with The Telegraph, she says, “I don’t go to places and if I do I nearly always have to have a friend. It’s very difficult when you’re on your own because you have no escape… what do they do, these huge movie stars? What the hell do they do? Perhaps they never go out.” We hate to break it to her, Smith is a movie star, too.
9. She doesn’t overthink things.

Smith has never seen her performance in Downton Abbey. During an appearance on 60 Minutes, she said, "I've never actually seen it. I don't sit down and watch it. No, I've never watched it. I always see things that I would like to do differently, and think, 'Why in the name of God did I do that?'" Rather than second guessing herself, or dwelling on the should’ve/could’ve/would’ve, she takes it for what it is.  
10. She is a force to be reckoned with.

It’s not just us who are in awe of Smith. Her Downton Abbey co-star Penelope Wilton said of working with Smith, “Maggie gets all the best lines! With Maggie, you need to be on your game to hit the ball back at her. I said to Julian (Fellowes): ‘Can I at least win one of the arguments?’ and he said: ‘No.’" 
We can look for more of her zingers on May 18 when Downton Abbey: The New Era premieres.
Well, there you have it. Do you have anything you'd like to add to the list!?