Image: Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall [Warner Bros.]
Maggie Smith, an extraordinary actress, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Best known for her roles in the "Harry Potter" films and "Downton Abbey", she enchanted audiences worldwide with her performances on stage and screen. The British actress was not only an Oscar winner but was also made a "Dame Commander of the British Empire" by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, released the following statement:
“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. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
Harry Potter Stars Reflect On Their Time With Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith was an inspiration to fans and actors around the world. Working alongside young actors during the filming of the "Harry Potter" series was a unique experience for her. In an interview on The Graham Norton Show, she once remarked:
"A lot of very small people used to say hello to me and that was nice."
Those young actors are now adults and are remembering their time with Maggie Smith.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" films, posted an Instagram story expressing her appreciation for the time spent with Maggie Smith and praising her strong character:
"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."
Daniel Radcliffe, the actor of Harry Potter himself, echoed Emma's sentiments. He shared:
“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.”
Rupert Grint, who completes the famous trio, shared an emotional farewell to Maggie Smith, accompanied by a photo from the fourth "Harry Potter" film, featuring a dance lesson with Professor McGonagall:
"Heartbroken to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. I’ll miss you Maggie. Sending all my love to her family. Rupert x"
In spirit, we, along with thousands of fans, raise our illuminated wands one last time for Maggie Smith.
