Daniel Radcliffe Remembers Harry Potter Co-Star Maggie Smith's 'Fierce Intellect'

Leaving a deep void in the hearts of all Potterheads, British actress Dame Maggie Smith passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, September 27. Best known for her role as the witty and formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall, the actress also featured in scores of other films, shows and Broadway productions. While fans are paying their tribute to the late actress, actor Daniel Radcliffe also penned a wholesome note for his Harry Potter co-star. Radcliffe famously played the boy wizard in the eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011.

In a long statement, Daniel Radcliffe reflected on his first meeting with the late actress and said, “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,” as quoted by Variety.

He further recalled their first conversation and continued, “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.”

Describing her as a “fierce intellect” with a “gloriously sharp tongue,” Radcliffe stated that she could easily intimidate and charm anyone and was a very funny person. “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,” he concluded.

Harry Potter Stars Remember Professor McGonagall

Bonnie Wright, who played the role of Ginny Weasley also paid her tribute to the late actress. Taking to her Instagram, she wrote, “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 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.”

Emma Watson and Rupert Grint also paid tributes through their own special gestures. Both of them played the popular characters Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively.