by Following the announcement on September 27 that beloved Harry Potter actor Dame Maggie Smith had passed away, fans of the franchise have come together to pay tribute to Professor McGonagall.
Smith died at the age of 89 after an award-winning on-screen career that first began in 1956. Best known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, Smith has become the subject of emotional tributes from fans and co-stars alike.
Smith played the no-nonsense Professor of Transfiguration in the Harry Potter films and first appeared in the opening scene of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. She would become one of the leading figures for Harry and his friends at Hogwarts.
On September 28, fans gathered outside a recreation of the castle at Universal Studios Orlando and raised their wands for Smith. It’s a gesture that originated in the films after Dumbledore’s death, and has been recreated in real life for both Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman, who died in 2023 and 2016 respectively.
Fellow Harry Potter co-stars have also released statements praising Smith’s talent and legend status.
Star of the franchise Daniel Radcliffe wrote: “She had a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm at the same time and was, as anyone will tell you, extremely funny.
“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. Thanks Maggie.”
Warner Bros. ImagesEmma Watson also shared her own words on Instagram, posting in her stories: “When I was younger, I had no idea of Maggie’s legend – the woman I was lucky enough to share space with.
“It’s only as I’ve matured that I’ve come to realize that I was sharing the screen with a true definition of greatness. She was real, honest, funny and self-aggrandizing.
“Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own. Thank you for all your kindness. I will miss you.”
