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Maggie Smith, star of the Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, and much more, died on Friday at the age of 89, and tributes were quick to pour in in the wake of the news. Among them was a heartfelt tribute from Smith's Harry Potter co-star, Daniel Radcliffe, who worked with the actress on seven out of eight films in the series. “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 in a statement to Variety .
"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!’ I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the ‘Harry Potter’ films.
” “She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny,” Radcliffe continued. “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.” Radcliffe isn't the only Harry Potter alum who's been paying tribute to the late actress. Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the film series, wrote on Instagram, "Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house ❤️ you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community.
" "My favourite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball," Wright added. "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." The official Instagram account for Harry Potter also posted an Instagram tribute , writing, "Dame Maggie Smith was a shining force as Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. We are so saddened to hear of her passing today, aged 89.
Her quick wit and formidable presence as the Head of Gryffindor House made sure Hogwarts was always in safe hands." The Downton Abbey crew, too, has been remembering Smith in the aftermath of the news. The official X/Twitter account for the British series posted a tribute to Smith, and creator Julian Fellowes also remembered her in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter .
A true British icon. Thank you for everything, Dame Maggie Smith. pic.
twitter.com/FM3aQjv5Rq — Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) September 27, 2024 “Maggie Smith was a truly great actress and we were more than fortunate to be part of the last act in her stellar career," Fellowes said. "She was a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking.
Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her.” Smith's passing was announced by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who wrote in part, "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
" While she's well-known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, Smith had a prolific career over the course of seven decades. Among her many accolades are two Oscars, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award. You can see more tributes to Smith below.
A message of condolence from His Majesty The King following the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.
com/SiKw8EEHva — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 27, 2024 Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did.
But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another.
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pic.twitter.com/wjJCL7FqWf — Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) September 27, 2024 We're saddened to hear that actor Dame Maggie Smith, best known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89.
Dame Maggie was a legend of British stage and screen, winning five BAFTAs as well as a BAFTA Special Award and BAFTA Fellowship during her...
pic.twitter.com/YxQs4GAdCp — BAFTA (@BAFTA) September 27, 2024 Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting.
When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons..
