The world of cinema and theater mourns the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, a legendary British actress who passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, September 27. Best known for her iconic portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, Maggie Smith left an indelible mark on her fans, lovingly called “Potterheads,” as well as on the entertainment industry at large. Her incredible body of work spanned decades, with notable roles in films, TV shows, and stage productions. Fans and colleagues have been paying heartfelt tributes, with many reflecting on the warmth, intelligence, and humor she brought both on and off the screen.
Harry Potter star Dame Maggie Smith passes away at 89
Among those paying tribute was Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter in the beloved film series. In a touching statement, Radcliffe reflected on his first encounter with Maggie Smith, recalling their time working together on David Copperfield when he was just 9 years old. Radcliffe fondly remembered how Smith quickly put him at ease despite his nerves, laughing off his question about whether he should address her as “Dame.” He spoke highly of her kindness and her sharp intellect, which, coupled with her dry wit, made her a joy to work with over the next 10 years on the Harry Potter films. Radcliffe expressed his gratitude, stating that Maggie Smith truly embodied the term “legend” in the industry.
Bonnie Wright, known for playing Ginny Weasley, also shared her sorrow and paid tribute to Smith through a heartfelt Instagram post. She fondly remembered their time together on set, especially during the Yule Ball scene, where Smith’s portrayal of Professor McGonagall combined a blend of sass and loving care. Wright extended her condolences to Smith’s family, acknowledging the deep loss felt by the *Harry Potter* community.
Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) also honored Smith with their own gestures, reflecting the profound impact she had on them and the series. The loss of Maggie Smith leaves a deep void in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike, but her legacy will continue to shine through her unforgettable performances and her lasting influence on the world of acting.
Daniel Radcliffe on the passing of Maggie Smith:
“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’… pic.twitter.com/Wy83ByAmWm
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) September 27, 2024
