‘Harry Potter’ stars pay tribute to Maggie Smith: ‘She kept Gryffindors on their toes’

Dame Maggie Smith has died at age 89, and her Harry Potter costars are sharing their fondest memories of the two-time Oscar winner.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular boy wizard in all eight films, remembered Smith warmly in a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly. “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,” he said. “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 portrayed Hermione Granger in every installment of the series, posted a tribute to Smith on her Instagram story. “When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend — the woman I was fortunate to share space with,” she wrote. “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.”

Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in four films, shared a statement with EW praising the late actress’ talents. “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.”

Bonnie Wright, who acted as Ginny Weasley in every film in the series, posted a sweet statement about Smith on Instagram. “Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house,” she wrote. “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.”

Devon Murray, who played Seamus Finnigan in all eight installments of the series, shared a few sweet (and bizarre) anecdotes about Smith. “Im saddened to hear of the passing of the “Lady” that is Maggie Smith,” he wrote on Instagram. “Maggie was 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 continued, “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.”

Murray also posted a poster for the first Harry Potter film, known in the U.K. as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S., with the caption, “This poster hits different now” with a sad emoji. In addition to Smith, the poster also features Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), and Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), all of whom are now deceased.

James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in all eight films, posted a tribute to Smith on his Instagram story. “Very sad to hear the news today,” he wrote. “It was an honour to have been on the same sets as Dame Maggie Smith. On HP, she was always welcoming, funny and also showed how to act not just on the set, but off too. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

Afshan Azad, who portrayed Padma Patil in five Potter films, shared a photo of Smith on her Instagram story and wrote, “Icon. An absolute honor 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.” 

Anna Shaffer, who played Romilda Vane in three movies, shared a photo of Smith on her Instagram story as well. “Cannot believe I got to [breathe] the same air. What a truly astonishing woman, a truly astonishing actor,” she wrote. In another story, she wrote, “I hope everyone will watch Tea With The Dames this weekend, brilliant Dame M in all her glory. One of one!!!”

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Chris Rankin, who played Percy Weasley in five movies, posted a short tribute to Smith as well. “There’s not many people in the world who were as brilliantly talented, waspishly sharp tongued, funny, kind or intimidating as Maggie Smith,” he wrote on Instagram. “I am truly lucky to have shared a film set with her. They don’t make them like that anymore.”

Josh Herdman, who portrayed Gregory Goyle in all eight films, posted a photo of Smith to his Instagram story with the caption “RIP” and a crying emoji.