‘Legend’: Cast of ‘Harry Potter’ pays tribute to late actress Maggie Smith

(WJW / AP) – The cast of the “Harry Potter” franchise is paying tribute to late acting legend, Dame Maggie Smith, who died on Friday . She was 89.

Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, said in a statement that Smith died early Friday in a London hospital.

Smith, also known for her role in “Downtown Abbey” and a slew of films over the years, portrayed the stern yet beloved Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” films — a role that cast her into the spotlight for a younger generation at the time.

Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as Harry Potter himself, paid tribute to the late actress in the following statement sent to The Associated Press:

“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. 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.”

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the films, wrote a dedication on her Instagram story Friday, saying, “When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend – the woman I was fortunate enough 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.”

Bonnie Wright, who portrayed Ginny Weasley, also took to Instagram, saying, “Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house. You will be so missed by the Harry Potter community. My favourite scene with Maggie was when we were learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindor on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time.”

“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling posted a tribute on X , saying, “Somehow I thought she’d live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.”

Her death comes exactly one year after actor Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” films, died at 82.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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