"Harry Potter" stars pay tribute to Dame Maggie Smith

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Professor McGonagall: That's the spirit, now away you go

30 Sep - Following the news of Dame Maggie Smith's passing, most known to the global audiences as Professor McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" films series, many of her young co-stars of the films released statements of tribute to her.

Daniel Radcliffe, who actually met Smith for the first time playing a role in "David Copperfield", spoke about her kindness and down-to-earth manner in a long statement on Instagram.

Daniel Radcliffe and Dame Maggie Smith in "David Copperfield"

"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."

He continued, "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. 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. 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."

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the films, changed his profile photo on Instagram with one of him with Smith, and posted, "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 Grint changed his profile photo to one of him with Smith

As for Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the movie series, the actor wrote, "There quite simply was no one like her. Thank you for looking after us from literally day one. Thank you for not getting me kicked off the set when I couldn't stop giggling during your transfiguration class. Thank you for showing us the way."

Tom Felton plays Draco Malfoy in the film series

Smith, who had starred in many movies and series including "Downton Abbey" and "My House in Umbria" throughout her long career, passed away on 27 September, as revealed by her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.

"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," they expressed.

Smith was one of the few performers to earn the Triple Crown of Acting, a term used in the American entertainment industry to describe actors who have won a competitive Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award in the acting categories.

She was 89.

Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in "Downton Abbey"