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'Harry Potter' stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, more remember Maggie Smith

Published Sep 29, 2024 1:11 pm

Harry Potter stars took to social media to remember the late Maggie Smith, who played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the films.

Maggie passed away on Sept. 27 at the age of 89. After her passing, several members of the hit movie franchise's cast paid tribute to the award-winning actress.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, recalled the first time he met Maggie when he was nine years old, reading for David Copperfield.

"I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I wold be working with her," he 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 so ridiculous!'"

"I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her previously putting me 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."

The actor later remembered her as a "fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue."

"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," Daniel ended.

Hermione Granger actress Emma Watson also penned a short message and shared a photo of her and Maggie together.

"She was real, honest, funny and self-honoring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God, you held your own. Thank you for all your kindness. I'll miss you," she wrote.

Meanwhile, Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley posted a picture from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when he danced with the Transfigurations professor.

"I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance," he said.

For her part, Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), like her on-screen brother, fondly remembered the Yule Ball dance scene.

"She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes," she said.

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) shared a snap from the sorting hat scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. 

"Thank you for looking after us from literally day one. Thank you for not getting me kicked off the set when I couldn't stop giggling during your transfiguration class. Thank you for showing us the way," he said.

Maggie's sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin announced her passing on Sept. 27. They said that she was in the hospital and was with friends and family at the end.

The actress is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren.

She's known for her performances in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Othello, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and California Suite.