UPDATE 6:20 P.M. PST: What a moving tribute…
Emma Watson has now spoken out to say goodbye to her favorite Harry Potter professor, Dame Maggie Smith. She wrote:
“When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend — the woman I was fortunate to share space with. 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. She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own. Thank you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you.”
Awww…
We love how much this young cast admired their elders on this franchise.
Daniel Radcliffe and other Harry Potter cast members are paying tribute to Maggie Smith.
The actress, who famously played Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor House and the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts, died on Friday at age 89. According to Maggie’s two sons, she “passed away peacefully in hospital” surrounded by “friends and family.” So sad.
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Shortly after the news, the titular character himself released a heartfelt statement to Variety on Friday mourning the “legend.” Daniel began by recalling the first time he ever met the Downton Abbey star, expressing:
“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. 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.”
It was on the wizard films where they really connected, he recalled:
“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. 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.”
So well said.
Co-star Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also opened up about the loss on Instagram, reflecting:
“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.”
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Devon Murray, AKA Seamus Finnigan, also mourned the loss on the ‘gram. The star called Maggie “the most intimidating person I’ve ever met but once cracked she was the kindest, most caring and loving Lady I’ve ever met.” He added:
“I’ve so many fond memories with Maggie. From getting drunk while waiting for a Fax in a hotel reception to getting some of the best hugs and cuddles in the world to even Maggie trying to keep a straight face while shooting a scene while a Baboon continuously masturbated as soon as she’d speak
We’ve shared so many great moments together that I will treasure. #ripmaggie”
We’ve shared so many great moments together that I will treasure. #ripmaggie”
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What a story! Hah!
Josh Herdman, who portrayed Gregory Goyle, also uploaded a photo and the caption “RIP” on his IG Story. Meanwhile, Afshan Azad, who portrayed Padma Patil, wrote:
“Legend. Icon. An absolute honour to have shared the same room as you let alone screen. There’ll be no other. Thoughts and love go to all her friends and family and all the potter family. RIP.”
Harry Potter’s creator and TERF J.K. Rowling also wrote on X (Twitter):
“Somehow I thought she’d live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.”
Maggie was clearly so loved! We’re sure lots more Harry Potter alums and other co-stars of hers will have more to say in the coming days as they process this tough loss. May she rest in peace.
[Image via Warner Bros. Pictures/YouTube/Max]
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