Daniel Radcliffe is paying tribute to the late Maggie Smith, who died Friday at 89 years old. The two actors are veterans of the “Harry Potter” film franchise. Radcliffe starred in the title role of all eight movies, while Smith appeared in every “Harry Potter” movie except “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1” as Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor House and the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts under Albus Dumbledore.
“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. I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her,” Radcliffe said in a statement. “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 added. “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.”
Smith’s role in “Harry Potter” started with 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and lasted a decade. Her performance as Minerva McGonagall turned the character into one of the franchise’s most beloved supporting players and made Smith a recognizable face among a younger generation of moviegoers.
Smith’s death was announced by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larki, who wrote in a statement: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. 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.”
Fellow “Harry Potter” co-star Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the franchise, also paid tribute to Smith on social media, writing: “You will be so missed by the Harry Potter community. My favorite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. 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.”
Across her esteemed career, Smith won two Oscars, three Emmys and countless stage prizes. She is survived by two sons and grandchildren.