Harry Potter stars react to Maggie Smith's death: Read the tributes to the cast

Daniel Radcliffe, Maggie Smith and Emma Watson Getty Images (3)

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and other members of the Harry Potter Cast members are grieving co-stars Lady Maggie Smithwho died on Friday September 27th at the age of 89.

While audiences remember Radcliffe, now 35, as The Boy Who Lived and Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the eight-film series, the actor reminded fans that he actually met Smith on the set of the 1999 BBC miniseries had met David Copperfield.

“The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old and we were reading through scenes for her David Copperfield“This was my first job,” Radcliffe said in a statement Us weekly on Friday. “I knew virtually nothing about her, except that my parents were impressed by the fact that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a lady, so the first thing I asked her when we met was, “Would you like me to call you lady?” to which she laughed and said something like this: 'Don't be ridiculous!'”

Radcliffe continued: “I remember being nervous about meeting her and then she immediately put me at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot and then I was lucky enough to work with her for another 10 years Harry Potter Movies. She had a fierce mind, a wonderfully sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm at the same time and, as anyone will tell you, was extremely funny. I will always consider myself very lucky to have been able to work with her and spend time with her on set. The word “legend” gets thrown around a lot, but if it applies to someone in our industry, then it applies to them too. “Thank you, Maggie.”

The Tony Award winner played Harry Potter alongside Smith in all eight films from 2001 to 2011, and he said so Downton Abbey The actress was the reason he got the iconic role.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe reacts to Maggie Smith's death and remembers first meeting at age 9 — Daniel Radcliffe and Maggie Smith Cover images

“Maggie was the person who recommended me, so to speak potterso she's the reason I did this,” he said during an appearance in 2021 The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. “I first met her when I was 9. I didn't know who she was. My parents were like, “Oh my God, you're working with Maggie Smith, that's great.” But I wasn't like one Prime by Miss Jean Brodie Fan, so I didn’t know who that was!”

Many other Hogwarts graduates paid tribute to Smith amid news of her death. Scroll down for more reactions from Harry Potter Actor:

Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)

Emma Watson reacts to Maggie Smith's death: Read tributes — Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

“When I was younger, I had no idea about the legend of Maggie – the woman I was lucky enough to share space with,” Watson shared via Instagram Story on Friday, along with a photo of herself and Smith on set Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. “It wasn't until I grew up that I learned to appreciate sharing the screen with a true definition of greatness. She was authentic, honest, funny and smug. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God, you held your own. Thank you for all your kindness. I will miss you.”

Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)

“It breaks my heart to hear about Maggie,” Grint wrote via Instagram. “She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her, and especially lucky to have shared a dance. I'll miss you, Maggie. I send all my love to her family.”

Gary Oldman (Sirius Black)

Harry Potter stars mourn the death of Maggie Smith — Gary Oldman Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

“Maggie Smith, one of the true greats of all [Laurence] Olivier and [John] Gielgud…those who saw her stunning talent on stage say they can never forget her,” the Oscar winner said in a statement via Weekly entertainment. “Their great film performances remain visible and enjoyable for all. There is such an artist in about every second generation. If you’re lucky.”

Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)

“Our dearly loved and revered Head of Gryffindor House ❤️,” Wright captioned a photo of Smith via Instagram on Friday. “The Harry Potter community will miss you very much. My favorite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied the perfect balance of sass and loving care that characterizes McGonagall. She kept the Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences go out to Maggie’s family.”

James Phelps (Fred Weasley)

“Very sad to hear the news today,” he said Harry Potter: Wizard of Baking host wrote via Instagram Story. “It was an honor to be on the same sets as Dame Maggie Smith. At HP she was always friendly, funny and showed how to behave not only on set but also off set. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

Devon Murray (Seamus Finnegan)

“Saddened to hear of the passing of 'Lady' Maggie Smith,” Murray wrote via Instagram. “Maggie was the most intimidating person I have ever met, but once she broke through, she was the kindest, most caring and loving lady I have ever met.”

He continued: “I have so many fond memories of Maggie. From getting drunk waiting for a fax at the hotel reception, to the best hugs and cuddles in the world, to Maggie trying to keep a straight face while filming a scene while a baboon masturbated non-stop every time she said something 😂 We're like that We spent many great moments together that I will remember.”

Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley)

“There aren't many people in the world who have been as brilliantly talented, sharp-tongued, funny, kind or intimidating as Maggie Smith,” Rankin shared on social media. “I am really happy to have shared a film set with her. They don’t make them like that anymore.”

Afshan Azad (Padma Patil)

“Legend. Symbol. It is an absolute honor to have shared the same space with you, let alone the screen,” Azad shared via Instagram Story. “There will be no other. Thoughts and love go out to all of them Friends and family and the entire Potter family 🕊️ RIP.”