Updated: Several members of the *Harry Potter* cast have paid heartfelt tributes today to their co-star, Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away this morning at the age of 89.
Daniel Radcliffe, reflecting on his first encounter with Smith, shared, "I was just 9 years old when I met Maggie while we were reading through scenes for *David Copperfield*, my first acting job. I didn’t know much about her then, except that my parents were in awe that I’d be working alongside her."
Radcliffe and Smith first worked together in the 1999 BBC adaptation of *David Copperfield*, where Radcliffe portrayed the young David and Smith played his great-aunt, Betsey Trotwood.
"The only other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame," Radcliffe continued. "So, when we met, I nervously asked, 'Should I call you Dame?' She laughed and replied, 'Don’t be ridiculous!' Her warmth instantly put me at ease. Maggie was incredibly kind, and I was fortunate to work with her for another decade on the *Harry Potter* films. She possessed a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp wit, and could be both intimidating and charming at once. She was, as everyone will tell you, immensely funny. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have spent time with her on set. If anyone in our industry deserves the title 'legend,' it’s her. Thank you, Maggie."
Bonnie Wright, who portrayed Ginny Weasley, honored Smith in an Instagram post: "Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house ❤️ You will be so missed by the *Harry Potter* community. My favorite scene with Maggie was learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall had. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time."
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, also paid tribute on Instagram, writing, "As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the legend I was working with. It wasn’t until I grew older that I understood I shared the screen with true greatness. Maggie was real, honest, funny, and fiercely independent. Thank you for your kindness, Maggie. You’ll be deeply missed."
Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, expressed his sorrow, stating, "Heartbroken to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious, and incredibly kind. I feel so lucky to have shared a set with her, and even luckier to have shared a dance. I’ll miss you, Maggie. Sending love to her family. Rupert x"
Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black, remembered Smith as one of the "true Greats," placing her in the same echelon as Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud. "Her dazzling talent on stage is unforgettable, and her brilliant film performances will live on for generations to enjoy. Artists like her come along once in a generation, if we’re lucky."
Other tributes poured in from the *Harry Potter* family, including author J.K. Rowling and actors Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan), Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), and Afshan Azad (Padma Patil).
The outpouring of tributes reflects the profound impact Dame Maggie Smith had not only on her co-stars but on the entire acting community, where she will be remembered as a towering figure of intellect, wit, and undeniable greatness.
.jpeg)
0 Comments