To many she was an illustrious British actress, but to them she was Professor McGonagall, the beloved – and somewhat feared – headmistress of Gryffindor House. Following the death of Maggie Smith, many actors in the “Harry Potter” saga have paid tribute to her.
We didn’t have to wait long before reading the emotional reactions of his beloved “students”. Shortly after the announcement of the death of Maggie Smith, which occurred on September 27, at the age of 89, her comrades in the “Harry Potter” saga paid tribute to her on their social networks, starting with the interpreters of Ron, Hermione and Harry.
“She had a formidable intelligence, an admirably sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm at the same time and was, as anyone will tell you, extremely funny,” testified Daniel Radcliffe, who first played with her at 9 years in the film “David Copperfield” (in 1999). “I will always consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to work with her and spend time with her on set. The word “legend” is overused, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, it applies to her. Thank you Maggie,” added the Harry Potter interpreter, in a press release relayed by “Variety”.
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For her part, Emma Watson highlighted how Maggie Smith was “real, honest and funny”: “When I was younger, I had no idea of the legend of Maggie, the woman I had sex with. chance to share the space It was only when I became an adult that I realized that I had shared the screen with a true definition of greatness” The interpreter of the exemplary witch Hermione Granger added: “Maggie, there were a lot of male teachers [à l’école des sorciers Poudlard, NDLR] and by God, you held on. Thank you for all your kindness. I’m going to miss you. »
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Emma Watson’s tribute to actress Maggie Smith, on Instagram on September 27, 2024.
© Instagram
By also sharing a souvenir photo from the time they were filming “Harry Potter” together, Rupert Grint told him he was “heartbroken” upon learning of Maggie Smith’s death. “She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a shoot with her and especially lucky to have shared a dance with her [une scène du quatrième film » Harry Potter et la Coupe de feu « sorti en 2005]. I’m going to miss you Maggie. I send all my love to his family. »
“Downton Abbey” fans also grieving
Bonnie Wright, who played the role of Ginny Weasley in the saga, paid tribute to her “dear and revered head of Gryffindor house”: “The Harry Potter community will miss you so much. 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 possesses. She kept the Gryffindors on their toes. »
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Irish actor Devon Murray, who played Seamus Finnigan in the films, recalled how Maggie Smith intimidated him, before discovering “the kindest, most loving Lady”. Afshan Azad, who lent her face to the character of Padma Patil, paid tribute to a “legend”, an “icon”. For his part, Josh Herman, the interpreter of Goyle, shared a photo of Maggie Smith in the skin of McGonagall by simply writing “RIP” (“Rest in peace”).
In addition to leaving behind her grieving comrades from the “Harry Potter” films, Maggie Smith leaves behind her friends from the “Downton Abbey” series and films, in which she played Violet Crawley. “It is difficult to find the words to pay tribute to the iconic Dame Maggie Smith,” commented Joanne Froggatt, who played Anna Smith. “She was truly a pioneer, with the sharpest mind, the greatest talent, the naughtiest sense of humor, she was a force to be reckoned with. »
Maggie Smith died “peacefully”, surrounded by her family
In a statement released Friday, Toby Stepphens and Chris Larkin, Maggie Smith’s children, announced that their mother had died “peacefully in hospital early this morning.” “She was a very private person, but she was with her friends and family at the end of her life. She leaves two loving sons and grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
In addition to her roles in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey”, the British actress distinguished herself in the films “Miss Brodie’s Beautiful Years” and “California Hotel”, thanks to which she won two Oscars. She had also won three Golden Globes, six BAFTAs and four Emmy Awards. In 1990, Queen Elizabeth made her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, then a Companion of Honor in 2014.
