the end

R.I.P. Dame Maggie Smith

Eppu

Actor Dame Maggie Smith has passed at the age of 89.

I’m most fond of her role as Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. It is one of the best in that franchise—most of the characters are interesting and all of the acting is fantastic, but hers topped it by far. Already two years ago, you could tell from the footage of the second movie, Downton Abbey: A New Era, that she was getting very old and fragile. I remember thinking at the time that I wouldn’t be surprised if that was to be her last performance. (It wasn’t, but almost.)

I also love her snarky Professor Minerva McGonagall from the Harry Potter movies. In addition, in the non-SFFnal work of hers I’ve seen she’s always been consummate, even if the roles themselves might sometimes be lukewarm.

Rest in peace, Dame Maggie. You will be missed.

Image: giffed screenshot from Downton Wars: Episode 2 – The Evil Butler Strikes Back, found via Primogif

R.I.P. Ursula Le Guin

Eppu4 Comments

Author Ursula Le Guin is no longer with us.

Eileen Gunn Ursula-39-small

One of the most poignant remembrances I’ve yet seen is by author Catherynne Valente on Twitter:

I’m most fond of Le Guin’s Earthsea stories, some of which I’ve read and re-read in Finnish and in English over the years. I’ve only managed one of her science fiction books so far, though. Time to rectify that.

Forever read, Ms. Le Guin. Your intellect, inner fire, and vision will be deeply missed.

(Hat tip to Nnedi Okorafor for the phrase “forever read” in lieu of “rest in peace”.)

Image by Eileen Gunn via Ursula K. Le Guin website

R.I.P. Carrie Fisher

Eppu

Carrie Fisher, actor, author, advocate, script doctor, and Resistance General extraordinaire, has passed at the age of 60.

Carrie Fisher Homepage

Rest in peace, dear Ms. Fisher. Your honesty, fearlessness, and spirit will be missed.

In the words of Tough Love Leia on Twitter:

 

Image via carriefisher.com

Post edited for formatting.

R.I.P. Alan Rickman

Eppu

Actor Alan Rickman has passed. Apart from a fantastic Professor Severus Snape, Rickman brought to life both on stage and screen numerous other characters, including my favorite Colonel Brandon in the 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility.

Sense & Sensibility – Weep You No More Sad Fountains via anotherrainbow2008

I also have fond memories of his performance as Alexander Dane / Dr. Lazarus in Galaxy Quest and the sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (with the unforgettable delivery of “Because it is dull, you twit, it’ll hurt more!”, on the desirability of a spoon as a torture device).

Rest in peace, sir. You will be missed.