Emma Watson is no stranger to working alongside the legends of British acting. But her relationship with Dame Maggie Smith was particularly special. The ‘Harry Potter‘ star recently paid a touching tribute to Smith, who tragically passed away at the age of 89.
As someone who quite literally grew up alongside iconic actors, Watson’s words carry the weight of someone who recognizes how lucky she was to share the screen with a true powerhouse.
Emma Watson’s Touching Words For Late Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith, a two-time Oscar winner, is fondly remembered for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in all eight of the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Her fierce portrayal of Gryffindor head left a lasting impression on millions, including her co-stars.
While her death shook Hollywood and the rest of the world alike, tributes poured in from many. One such special tribute came from Emma Watson, Smith’s co-star who played Hermoine Granger in the ‘Harry Potter‘ series.
“When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend — the woman I was fortunate to share space with,” Watson wrote in her Instagram story. “It is only as I’ve become an adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness.”
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In her Instagram tribute, Watson highlighted Smith’s ability to hold her own in a male-dominated ensemble. “She was real, honest, funny and self-honoring,” Watson shared. “Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God, you held your own.“
Watson’s tribute wasn’t all about solemn reflection though. Emma expressed gratitude, thanking Smith for her kindness and concluding with, “I’ll miss you.” It’s clear that the bond they shared extended beyond just their roles in ‘Harry Potter‘ and that Watson saw Smith as both a mentor and a friend.
The Legacy Of Maggie Smith Will Always Be Remembered
Maggie Smith’s death has left a void in the hearts of her co-stars and fans alike. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced that their mother passed away surrounded by friends and family at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren, who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” they said.
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Watson wasn’t the only one to honor Smith. Fellow ‘Harry Potter‘ actors, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Gary Oldman, and Bonnie Wright, also shared their memories of working with the legendary actress.
Daniel Radcliffe, remembered Smith warmly in a statement shared with EW. “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,” he said. “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.”
While Oldman noted, “Maggie Smith, one of the true Greats along with [Laurence] Olivier and [John] Gielgud… those who saw her dazzling talent on the stage say they can never forget her.” Bonnie Wright even humorously recalled how Smith “kept Gryffindors on their toes.“
Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in every Potter film, penned a tribute to the actress as well. “Deeply saddened to wake up to the news of Maggie’s passing,” he said on Instagram.
