UPDATED with the latest: Several Harry Potter cast members have paid tribute today to their costar Maggie Smith, who died this morning at 89.
“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,” Daniel Radcliffe said in a statement to the press today. “I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her.
The two actors actually met on a job prior to the Potter franchise, when both were cast in a 1999 BBC adaptation of David Copperfield. Radcliffe played the young Copperfield, and Smith his great-aunt Betsey Trotwood.
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“The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame,” he continued, “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. 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.”
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the seven films, posted on Instagram in tribute to Smith.
“Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house ❤️ you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community,” Wright wrote in the caption of a portrait shot of Smith. “My favourite 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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Emma Watson, who played Hermione in the films, posted on her Instagram story, writing praise for her costar.
“When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend – the woman I was fortunate enough to share spae 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,” Watson wrote over a photo of the pair on set of one of the Harry Potter films. “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 of your kindness. I’ll miss you.”
Rupert Grint, who starred as Ron Weasley, wrote in his tribute, “Heartbroken to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. I’ll miss you Maggie. Sending all my love to her family. Rupert x”
Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, paid tribute as well. “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. Thank you for showing us the way. Raise your wands x,” he wrote on Instagram.
Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black, told Entertainment Weekly: “Maggie Smith, one of the true Greats along with [Laurence] Olivier and [John] Gielgud… those who saw her dazzling talent on the stage say they can never forget her,” he said. “Her magnificent film performances remain for all to see and enjoy. Such an artist comes along about every other generation. If one is lucky.”
Potter author J.K. Rowling and actor Devon Murray also weighed in:
Chris Rankin (the actor who played Percy Weasley), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), Josh Herdman (Gregory Goyle), Afshan Azad (Padma Patil) also paid tribute.
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