The list of her accomplishments is long and varied, and many deserving tributes will roll in over the next several days, but I’ve always been charmed by this little clip I stumbled upon years ago of the incomparable Maggie Smith on The Carol Burnett Show. I also thought she was brilliant in Hook with Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman, not to mention Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg, and the whole Downton Abbey phenomenon. And then, of course, she and Alan Rickman cast cinematic spells on many folks in that little Potter thing she did. What a talent. Rest in peace, Dame Smith (1934–2024).

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In Addition to Which

I could wish everyone a fantastic weekend, but in the spirit of Maggie Smith, I would have to ask, “What is a weekend?”