Maria Aitken’s acting talents graced the big screen numerous times over the course of her distinguished Hollywood career. Early on, she played a role in the television special Quiet As a Nun (PBS, 1982–83), which helped solidify her presence in the industry. Her performance in A Fish Called Wanda (1988) earned her a BAFTA Award nomination, a testament to her skill and on-screen charisma. In addition to her work behind the scenes as a producer, Maria Aitken also took on memorable roles in front of the camera, such as in the PBS series Melba (1988–89).
In the later years of her career, Maria Aitken turned her attention more toward film, delivering compelling performances in a variety of notable projects. She appeared in The Fool (1991), a drama starring Derek Jacobi, and reunited with comedy legends in Fierce Creatures (1997), alongside John Cleese. That same year, she also starred in Grotesque, sharing the screen with Alan Bates. Her versatility as an actress was further showcased in the dramatic biopic Jinnah (1998), where she acted opposite the legendary Christopher Lee.
Maria Aitken’s final on-screen appearance came in 2002 with her role in Ralph Fiennes’ psychological thriller Spider, marking another strong chapter in her diverse and enduring career.
Maria Aitken is perhaps best known for her role in the highly acclaimed film A Fish Called Wanda (1988), which remains her most popular and well-received work. On the other hand, one of her less favored projects includes Half Moon Street (1986), which, in comparison, received much lower ratings and didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. While Maria Aitken has been part of various films throughout her career, these two titles often stand out—A Fish Called Wanda for its success and Half Moon Street for its lackluster reception.