Dame Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89, and her Harry Potter co-stars are sharing their fondest memories of the two-time Oscar winner.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the boy wizard in all eight films, warmly paid tribute to Smith in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “She had a ferocious intellect, a brilliant tongue, could both intimidate and charm, and was, as everyone says, very funny,” he said. “I always consider myself so lucky to have been able to work with her and spend time around her on set. Legendary is an overused word, but If it’s true for anyone in the industry, it’s true for her, too.”
Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall.
Warner Brothers/Everett
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in every episode of the series, posted a tribute to Smith on her Instagram Story. “When I was young, I had no idea about the legend of Maggie, the woman I was lucky to share the same space with,” she wrote. “It wasn’t until I was an adult that I came to understand that I was able to share the true definition of greatness on screen. She was real, honest, funny, and self-respecting. Maggie, Man Thank you, professors, and God, for your kindness. โ
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in all eight films, paid tribute to his dance partner Goblet of Fire in an Instagram post on Saturday. “Heartbroken to hear about Maggie,” he wrote. “She was a very special person, always cheerful, always kind. I feel so lucky to have shared a set with her, especially dancing. I will miss you, Maggie. Her Sending all my love to the family.โ
Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in four films, shared a statement with EW praising the late actress’ talent. “Maggie Smith is [Laurence] with Olivier [John] Gielgud…those who saw her brilliant talent on stage say they will never forget her,” he said. You’ll enjoy it. Artists like this pop up almost every other generation.”
Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Warner Brothers/Courtesy of Everett Collection
Mark Williams, who played Arthur Weasley in seven of the eight Potter films, recalled his memories of Smith in a statement published in Entertainment Weekly. “At the Harry Potter premiere (I forget which one), I decided not to wear a suit,” Williams said. “A friend of mine, who’s a seamstress, dressed me up, including a very chic striped blazer. Maggie spotted me and, with a twinkle in her eye, said, ‘Did you just come from Henley?’ I didn’t have the courage to wear it.”
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in all of the series, also posted a kind comment about Smith on Instagram. “To our dearly loved and respected Head of Gryffindor, you will be sorely missed by the Harry Potter community,” she wrote, “My favorite scene with Maggie was at the Yule Ball. They were learning a dance together. She was McGonagall’s perfect balance of sass and caring. She alarmed the Gryffindors. I would like to express my deepest condolences.โ
Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in all the Potter films, also paid tribute to the actress. “So sad to wake up this morning and hear the news of Maggie’s death,” he said on Instagram. “There was no one else like her. Thank you for taking care of us literally from day one. Thank you for not kicking me off set because I couldn’t stop laughing in makeover class. We “Thank you for showing me the way.” Raise your cane. โ
Devon Murray, who played Seamus Finnigan for all eight episodes of the series, shared some sweet (and weird) anecdotes about Smith. “Saddened to hear of the passing of the ‘lady’ Maggie Smith,” he wrote on Instagram. “Maggie was the most intimidating person I’ve ever met, but once we got to know her, she was the kindest, most caring, loving woman I’ve ever met.”
He continued, “I have so many fond memories of Maggie, from getting drunk while waiting for a fax at the front desk of a hotel, to giving me the best hugs and snuggles in the world, and even more. He even tried to keep a straight face when taking pictures.” The scene where the baboon started masturbating as soon as it started talking, we shared so many wonderful moments together that I will always cherish. โ
Maggie Smith in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Warner Bros./Courtesy of Everett Collection
Murray also described the poster for the first Harry Potter series, known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the UK and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the US, saying, “This poster was a different kind of hit than it is now.” He posted it with the caption, “It’s happened,” along with a sad emoji. . In addition to Smith, the poster also features Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), and Robbie Coltrane (Ruvious Hagrid), all of whom are now deceased. .
James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in all eight films, posted a tribute to Smith on his Instagram Story. “So sad to hear today’s news,” he wrote. โIt was an honor to be on the same set as Dame Maggie Smith. At HP, she was always welcoming, funny and showed us how to act on set as well as off. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time. โ
Afshan Azad, who played Padma Patil in five Potter films, shared a photo of Smith on his Instagram Story and wrote, “An icon. It’s such an honor to not only share the screen, but share the same room. I wouldn’t have it any other way. โ and love to all of her friends, family, and the entire Potter family. โ
Anna Shafer, who played Romilda Vane in three movies, also shared a photo of Smith on her Instagram Story. โI canโt believe it, but [breathe] Same air. A truly amazing woman and a truly amazing actor,” she wrote, adding in another post, “I hope you all watch Tea with the Dames this weekend. Dame M in all her glory. .One by one!โ
Maggie Smith and Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
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Chris Rankin, who played Percy Weasley in five films, also posted a short tribute to Smith. “There are not many people in the world as amazingly talented, sarcastic, funny, kind, and intimidating as Maggie Smith,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m really lucky to share a movie set with her. They don’t let them do that anymore.”
Josh Herdman, who played Gregory Goyle in all eight films, posted a photo of Smith on his Instagram Story with the caption “Rest In Peace” and a crying emoji.