Daniel Radcliffe has led tributes to Dame Maggie Smith, remembering her as a “fierce intellect” with a “gloriously sharp tongue.” Fellow stars from the Harry Potter film series also shared heartfelt memories of the beloved actress, who passed away recently at the age of 89.
Dame Maggie Smith captured the hearts of Harry Potter fans worldwide as Professor Minerva McGonagall, the kind but formidable Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts. Her portrayal spanned from 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone through to the end of the series, lasting a decade and making her one of the franchise’s most iconic figures.
Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, shared his first memories of meeting Dame Maggie when he was just nine years old, working together on David Copperfield. He 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!’
Radcliffe added, “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. 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.”
Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, also paid tribute, writing on Instagram: “When I was younger, I had no idea of Maggie’s legend—the woman I was fortunate enough to share space with. It is only as I’ve become an adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with the true definition of greatness. She was real, honest, funny, and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors, and by God, you held your own. Thank you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you.
Gary Oldman, who played Harry’s godfather Sirius Black, described Dame Maggie as the kind of talent that only “comes along about every other generation.” He said, “Maggie Smith, one of the true greats along with Olivier and Gielgud. Those who saw her dazzling talent on the stage say they can never forget her. Her magnificent film performances remain for all to see and enjoy. Such an artist comes along about every other generation. If one is lucky.”
Dame Maggie Smith’s acting career spanned more than 70 years, with unforgettable roles in theatre, film, and television. Her portrayal of Professor McGonagall endeared her to a new generation, while her previous work, from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to Downton Abbey, solidified her legacy as a true icon of stage and screen.
The world of film and theatre mourns the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, whose sharp wit, kindness, and immense talent will be remembered for generations to come.
