Daniel Radcliffe Honors the Kindness of Maggie Smith During Harry Potter After Her Passing

Daniel Radcliffe has paid heartfelt tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, who sadly passed away on Friday, September 27, at the age of 89. Both actors gained widespread recognition for their performances in the Harry Potter film series, with Radcliffe taking on the iconic role of Harry Potter and Smith portraying the beloved Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Reflecting on their professional journey, Daniel Radcliffe shared his thoughts with Variety, reminiscing about the first time they collaborated when he was just a child.

“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 noted how Smith’s warm demeanor helped to ease his initial nervousness during their first encounter.

“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,”Daniel Radcliffe expressed.

Daniel Radcliffe Remembers Smith’s Influence on the Harry Potter Set

Daniel Radcliffe also highlighted the respect and admiration from both the audience and his colleagues for Smith’s remarkable intellect and charm.

He remarked, “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,”adding, “I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set.”

In his tribute, Radcliffe expressed gratitude towards Smith, emphasizing that the term ‘legend’ is often overused, but in her case, it is undoubtedly fitting.

Dame Maggie Smith portrayed Professor McGonagall starting with the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001 and continued to delight audiences in all eight Harry Potter films, except for the seventh installment. Professor McGonagall remains one of the most cherished characters in the series.

The news of her passing was confirmed by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, through their publicist Clair Dobbs. They shared that Smith passed away in a hospital, surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments.

“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.”

The statement further revealed,

“She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Harry Potter co-star Bonnie Wright also paid tribute to Smith. Wright, known for her role as Ginny Weasley, fondly recalled,

“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,” reflecting on Smith’s impact.

Dame Maggie Smith enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over six decades, earning two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmys, and various other accolades for her stage performances. While her role in Harry Potter introduced her to a new generation, her extensive body of work includes celebrated films such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

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