The stars of Harry Potter are mourning the loss of British actress Maggie Smith, best known for her portrayal as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the film franchise.
In a statement to US Weekly, Daniel Radcliffe looked back on his years working with Maggie.
“The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job,” Radcliffe said.
“I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was, ‘Would you like me to call you Dame?’ at which she laughed and said something to the effect of ‘don’t be ridiculous!'” he added.
He then described Maggie as an incredibly kind and an extremely funny person with a fierce intellect. He also said she also has a gloriously sharp tongue that could intimidate and charm in the same instant.
He expressed how lucky he is to have been able to work with Maggie.
“I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie,” Daniel said.
“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor the British actress and said, “Somehow I thought she’d live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.”
Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley in the movies, shared a photo of him with Smith from one of the scenes in the “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and said he is “heartbroken” to hear about her passing.
“She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. I’ll miss you Maggie. Sending all my love to her family,” he added.
Tom Felton, who played the role of Draco Malfoy, wrote: “Deeply saddened to wake up to the news of Maggie’s passing. There quite simply was no one like her. Thank you for looking after us from literally day one. Thank you for not getting me kicked off the set when I couldn’t stop giggling during your transfiguration class. Thank you for showing us the way. Raise your wands.”
He also posted a photo of him with Smith doing the Sorting Hat scene in the movie.
Bonnie Wright, known for role as Ginny, also wrote a heartfelt tribute to Smith. “Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house. You will be so missed by the Harry Potter community,” she said.
“My favorite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time,” she added.
Maggie passed away on Friday, September 27 at the age of 89.
Aside from “Harry Potter,” she was also known for her role as Dowager Countess in the hit TV series and movie spin-offs of “Downtown Abbey.”
