Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89

Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89

As I read through this heartbreaking news about the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, it feels like a chapter of my childhood has been closed forever. Growing up with Harry Potter, her unforgettable portrayal of Professor McGonagall was an integral part of the magic that enveloped the series. Yet, her brilliance extended far beyond Hogwarts’ walls, and her versatility as an actress was nothing short of astonishing.


Emma Watson publicly expressed her feelings and paid tribute to her late Harry Potter co-star, Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away at the age of 89, through heartfelt posts on her Instagram account.

On Friday morning, it became known that an actress from Downton Abbey had passed away in a hospital; this news sparked a deluge of tributes as celebrities and fans grieved over her sad demise.

34-year-old Watson shared a backstage snapshot featuring her alongside Smith, appearing to capture moments from the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Emma maintained a slight, warm smile while Maggie tenderly touched the actress’s cheek in a sweet, affectionate move.

As a youngster, I was unaware of the legendary status that Maggie held – the remarkable individual I had the good fortune to coexist with.

As I’ve grown older, it’s only then that I truly realized I was on stage alongside genuine greatness.

Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89

I affirmed, ‘She was authentic, witty, and respectful towards herself. Maggie, amidst numerous male professors, you truly stood out and maintained your ground with grace.’

‘Thank you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you,’ Emma concluded to her fans and followers. 

From 2001 through 2011, they acted alongside each other in the Harry Potter series of films, with their final performance occurring when the last movie was released in that year.

In this version, Emma played Hermione Granger, whereas Maggie assumed the part of Professor Minerva McGonagall.

In an earlier conversation on The Late Show with David Letterman, she shared some words of wisdom that Will Smith imparted to her as she embarked on her acting journey, according to Elle magazine.

Watson admitted that she gets ‘nervous’ when watching herself on-screen, particularly during the early ‘Harry Potter’ movies.

I’d become quite anxious, fidgeting restlessly in my chair as if I were a twisted pretzel, and biting my nails compulsively. Everything around me seemed to blur.

Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89
Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89

10 years ago, I believe Maggie Smith made this comment to me. However, due to the passage of time, my memory can be a bit hazy at times.

However, she essentially commented, “Can you improve without reviewing your performances?” To which I responded, “Indeed, you make a valid point.

Emma went on to say, ‘In essence, she advised me to take control, and ever since then, I’ve been analyzing my performances.’

Following Friday’s announcement of Smith’s demise, fellow Harry Potter stars expressed heartfelt tributes to the esteemed actress.

Daniel Radcliffe, known for his role as Harry Potter across all eight movies, expressed sorrow over the passing of an extraordinary figure.

Initially, Radcliffe collaborated with Dame Maggie back in 1999, during a television adaptation of David Copperfield, at the tender age of nine.

Additionally, he acted alongside four other actors who would later be his Harry Potter colleagues, such as Zoe Wanamaker, Imelda Staunton, Dawn French, and Paul Whitehouse.

On the social media site once known as Twitter, Radcliffe honored her by saying: “When I was nine, my first job was David Copperfield, and that’s when I first met Maggie Smith. We were rehearsing our lines together.

Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89

He said, ‘I was barely familiar with her, beyond the knowledge that my parents were amazed I’d be collaborating with her.’

In our initial encounter, being well-versed in titles, I inquired if it would be appropriate to address her as ‘Dame.’ To my amusement, she gracefully dismissed the notion with a hearty laugh, saying something along the lines of, “Oh, please, that’s quite unnecessary!

I recall being anxious about meeting her initially, but she swiftly made me comfortable. Her kindness towards me during that photo session was remarkable, and fortunately, I got the opportunity to collaborate with her on the Harry Potter movies for another decade afterward.

He spoke of her ‘fierce intellect’ and ‘gloriously sharp tongue’ and said she ‘could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.’

As a star-struck admirer, I’d express it like this: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of collaborating with her and sharing the movie set with her. Truly, it was an unparalleled experience!

In our field, the term “legend” is often used excessively, yet if it fits anyone, it’s certainly her. A heartfelt thank you, Maggie!

Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89
Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89

After updating his Instagram profile photo with a heartwarming throwback image featuring him and Maggie, Rupert Grint (known for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series) paid tribute to her in this manner.

Throughout her illustrious career spanning many years, Dame Maggie Smith also accepted multiple roles beyond the Harry Potter series in various productions.

Apart from her role in Downton Abbey as the Dowager Countess of Grantham, she has also been seen in the movie A Room With A View from 1985, sharing the screen with Helena Bonham Carter, a familiar face from the Harry Potter series.

On Friday, other famous personalities expressed their sorrow over Smith’s passing, including Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey and Sandra Bullock.

J.K. Rowling likewise conveyed her sentiments on X, saying, ‘I believed she’d never die. Rest in Peace, Dame Maggie Smith.’

Maggie was mourned by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who released a statement about her death on Friday.

Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89
Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89
Emma Watson pens emotional tribute to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith after her death at age 89

She quietly left us this morning, on September 27th, within the hospital’s care. Being deeply private, she was surrounded by her cherished companions and relatives in her final moments.

They went on saying, ‘She has two sons and five cherished grandchildren who are deeply saddened by the passing of their remarkable maternal figure.’

It’s a pleasure to express our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Their compassionate care and boundless kindness made all the difference during those challenging last days.

Chris and Toby expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful messages and backing they’ve received and kindly request everyone to honor their privacy during this period.

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2024-09-28 06:34

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