Daniel Radcliffe Pays Tribute to Maggie Smith: ‘Harry Potter’ Co-Star Was ‘A Fierce Intellect’ With a ‘Gloriously Sharp Tongue’

Daniel Radcliffe paid tribute to his Harry Potter co-star Maggie Smith, who passed away at the age of 89. Describing her as having a 'fierce intellect' and a 'gloriously sharp tongue,' Radcliffe reflected on meeting Smith for the first time during the filming of 'David Copperfield' when he was nine years old. He recounted how Smith made him feel at ease and was kind throughout their 10-year collaboration on the Harry Potter films.

Smith's role as Professor Minerva McGonagall started with 2001’s 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone' and continued throughout the franchise, except for 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.' Smith's death was announced by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larki, who mentioned she passed away peacefully in the hospital surrounded by friends and family. Her performance turned McGonagall into one of the franchise’s most beloved characters and made her a recognizable face among a younger generation.

Fellow co-star Bonnie Wright also expressed her condolences, highlighting a memorable scene where they learned to dance for the Yule Ball. Wright noted that Smith embodied a balance of sass and loving care both on and off-screen. Smith, whose career included winning two Oscars and three Emmys, leaves behind her two sons and five grandchildren, all of whom are deeply affected by her loss.