5 Ways Maggie Smith's Gunilla Garson Goldberg Is The Unsung Hero Of The First Wives Club

The cinematic world lost a legend in September 2024, when Dame Maggie Smith passed away at the age of 89. While tributes rightly focused on her monumental roles as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, the current date—December 13, 2025—offers a perfect moment to revisit one of her most delightfully underrated performances: the wealthy, witty, and perfectly cast Gunilla Garson Goldberg in the 1996 comedy classic, The First Wives Club.

This role, a sharp departure from her signature British-accented, often period-piece characters, showcased Smith’s incredible versatility. As the New York City socialite who becomes an unlikely ally to the main trio—Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton—Gunilla Garson Goldberg was more than just a supporting character; she was the secret weapon who provided both comedic relief and crucial plot assistance. Her performance is a masterclass in how to steal a scene with minimal screen time, proving that even a Hollywood legend can surprise audiences with a flawless American accent and razor-sharp delivery.

Dame Maggie Smith: A Life of Unparalleled Wit and Acclaim

Dame Margaret Natalie Smith, born on December 28, 1934, was a towering figure in the entertainment world whose career spanned over eight decades. Her extraordinary talent earned her the rare Triple Crown of Acting (Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Awards), a testament to her command of stage, film, and television.

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• Full Name: Dame Margaret Natalie Smith
• Born: December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, England
• Died: September 27, 2024, at age 89
• Key Early Roles: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969, Oscar win), Othello (1965), California Suite (1978, Oscar win).
• Iconic Later Roles: Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series (2001–2011) and Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey (2010–2015).
• Accolades: Two Academy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, one Tony Award, and a Damehood conferred by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990.
• The First Wives Club Context: When she took on the role of Gunilla Garson Goldberg in 1996, Smith was already a two-time Oscar winner, lending immense gravitas to what might otherwise have been a simple cameo.

The Gunilla Garson Goldberg Phenomenon: A Socialite's Secret Weapon

The 1996 film, directed by Hugh Wilson and based on the novel by Olivia Goldsmith, centers on three college friends—Elise Elliot (Goldie Hawn), Brenda Morelli-Cushman (Bette Midler), and Annie MacDuggan Paradis (Diane Keaton)—who reunite after the suicide of their friend, Cynthia, and vow to seek revenge on their ex-husbands. Their elaborate scheme needed an insider, a society maven with the connections, wealth, and sheer audacity to pull off their high-stakes plan. Enter Gunilla Garson Goldberg.

Gunilla is introduced as a titan of the New York social scene, a woman who has endured her own marital betrayals and now channels her bitterness into a powerful, discreet network. She is the embodiment of the "First Wives Club" ethos: a woman who has been wronged and has emerged stronger, wealthier, and far more influential. Her involvement immediately elevates the trio's operation from a petty revenge plot to a sophisticated, high-society takedown.

1. The Shock of the American Accent

For millions of moviegoers, one of the most surprising elements of Smith's performance was her flawless, clipped, and distinctly non-British American accent. Known globally for her quintessential English delivery in films like A Room with a View and *Sister Act*, seeing her embody a high-status New York socialite with such linguistic precision was a genuine shock. The accent wasn't just a novelty; it was a critical component of the character, instantly establishing Gunilla as a native of the Manhattan elite and distancing her from the British-centric roles that defined much of Smith's career at the time. This linguistic transformation is a subtle but powerful example of her acting genius.

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2. Delivering the Most Iconic One-Liners

Gunilla's dialogue is packed with the kind of withering, upper-crust wit that only Maggie Smith could deliver. She has a handful of scenes, but every line lands with the force of a well-aimed punch. Her most famous line, delivered with a perfect blend of sarcasm and class snobbery, is about one of the ex-husbands' new, younger girlfriends:

"She has impeccable taste... for an actress."

This single quote encapsulates the entire theme of the movie: the judgment, the class divide, and the casual cruelty of the social elite. It’s a line that is instantly quotable and has become one of the most memorable pieces of dialogue in the film, rivaling the famous lines delivered by the main stars, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn.

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3. The Crucial Role in the Final Takedown

Gunilla is not just moral support; she is the engine of the operation. She provides the trio with the necessary social camouflage and logistical support to execute their plan. She is the one who helps them orchestrate the final move to expose their ex-husbands' financial misdeeds. Her vast network and willingness to use it for retribution highlight her own past as a "first wife" who understands the pain and the need for justice. She is the living proof that a woman can recover from a devastating divorce and become a formidable power player, lending credibility and inspiration to the main characters.

4. The Hilarious Dynamic with Duarto Feliz

Maggie Smith’s scenes with Bronson Pinchot, who plays the flamboyant interior decorator Duarto Feliz, are pure comedic gold. Duarto, who is obsessed with Gunilla's social standing, constantly seeks her approval and validation. Their interactions provide some of the film's funniest moments, as Gunilla maintains a dignified, slightly exasperated patience with Duarto's effusive nature. The dynamic between the refined, stone-faced socialite and the over-the-top decorator is a masterclass in comedic contrast, enriching the supporting cast and adding depth to the New York setting.

5. The Ultimate Symbol of Female Solidarity

Gunilla Garson Goldberg’s primary significance is her quiet, powerful commitment to female solidarity. Unlike the main characters, who are initially driven by revenge, Gunilla has already moved past that stage and now operates from a place of cold, calculated power. Her willingness to risk her reputation to help the three women—Elise, Brenda, and Annie—is a powerful statement. She proves that the sisterhood of "first wives" transcends social circles and wealth. She is the mentor, the guide, and the example of what the women can achieve when they stop mourning their marriages and start leveraging their collective strength. Her presence adds a layer of topical authority to the film's message that "Don't get mad, get everything" is best achieved with a powerful network.

More Than a Cameo: A Legacy-Defining Supporting Role

While The First Wives Club is remembered for the star power of Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton, Dame Maggie Smith’s role as Gunilla Garson Goldberg is arguably one of the most impactful supporting performances in the film. Her ability to shed her famous British persona, deliver a pitch-perfect American accent, and land some of the movie's most memorable lines in just a few scenes cements her character as an unsung hero. As we reflect on the incredible legacy of Dame Maggie Smith following her passing, Gunilla remains a wonderful example of her unmatched versatility and her ability to bring dignity, wit, and unexpected humor to any role, no matter how small.