“I Always Believed She’d Live Forever” — Tributes to Maggie Smith from J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe, and Other Harry Potter Stars

Following the passing of the legendary actress Maggie Smith on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89, numerous celebrities paid their respects. This notable group included J.K. Rowling and several of Maggie’s co-stars from the Harry Potter film series. On September 27, Rowling expressed her grief in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Somehow I thought she’d live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.”

Actor Daniel Radcliffe, known for his role as Harry Potter, spoke to The Associated Press on September 27 about the late actress. He expressed:

“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.”

Radcliffe fondly recalled meeting the iconic actress at the young age of 9 while they were rehearsing scenes for the 1999 drama series David Copperfield and noted how fascinated he was by her title as a Dame.

Many other artists who collaborated with Maggie Smith also took to social media to share their tributes.

Celebrities such as Emma Watson and Bonnie Wright pay tribute to the late Maggie Smith

Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, shared an Instagram story after Maggie’s passing. She included a photo from one of the Harry Potter films and remarked on her childhood ignorance of Maggie’s stardom. Emma added:

“It is only as I’ve become an adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness.”

In her story, Watson described Maggie Smith as “real, honest, funny and self-honoring,”concluding that she would deeply miss her. Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also expressed her feelings through an Instagram post that stated:

“Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community.”

Wright extended her condolences to Maggie’s grieving family. Likewise, Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy, shared an emotional message on Instagram, including a scene from a Harry Potter film and writing a caption that read:

“Deeply saddened to wake up to the news of Maggie’s passing. There quite simply was no one like her. 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… Raise your wands.”

Rupert Grint, known for his role as Ron Weasley in the film series, also took to Instagram, posting a photo with Maggie Smith and expressing how fortunate he felt to have worked alongside her.

Hugh Bonneville, known for his role in Downton Abbey alongside Smith, also shared heartfelt tributes to the late actress.

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