"She was incredibly kind"— Daniel Radcliffe reflects on working with Maggie Smith on Harry Potter after her passing

Daniel Radcliffe has paid tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away on Friday, September 27, at the age of 89. Both actors are well-known for their roles in the Harry Potter film franchise. Radcliffe starred as Harry Potter, while Smith portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Daniel Radcliffe, who first worked with Smith when he was just a child, reflected on their long working relationship, in a tribute shared with Variety on Friday,

"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."

He shared a memory of their first encounter, recalling how Smith’s warm personality eased his nervousness.

"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," Daniel Radcliffe said.

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Daniel Radcliffe remembers Smith's impact on the set of Harry Potter

Daniel Radcliffe also recalled that the audience and colleagues admired Smith’s intelligence and charm.

He noted, "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," adding, "I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set."

Daniel Radcliffe extended his gratitude to Smith, stating that the word 'legend' is used far too often these days, but if it applies to anyone in the industry, then it applies to her.

Starting with the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001, Smith played McGonagall in each of the eight Harry Potter films except for the seventh one. Professor McGonagall is known to be one of the most loved characters in the film series.

The information on her demise was made public by her sons, Toby Stephens, and Chris Larkin, through publicist Clair Dobbs. They said that Smith passed on in a hospital, and in her last moments, she was comforted by the company of her loved ones.

"It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. "

The statement continued,

"She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Harry Potter co-star Bonnie Wright was also among those who paid tribute to Smith. Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, said of her co-star,

"My favorite 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,” Wright said in her message, mourning the loss of Smith.

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Maggie Smith’s career spanned over six decades. She earned two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmys, and numerous stage accolades. While her role in Harry Potter introduced her to younger audiences, Smith’s career included acclaimed performances in films like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.