The "Harry Potter" community is mourning the loss of their beloved Professor McGonagall — Maggie Smith, who passed away yesterday morning at the age of 89. As tributes pour in from her co-stars, many have reflected on her remarkable talent, intelligence, and wit. Among the many paying tribute is Daniel Radcliffe, who worked closely with Smith in the beloved film franchise.
Radcliffe, who portrayed the titular character across all eight films, expressed his admiration for the iconic actress, who played Professor Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor House. "The first time I met Maggie Smith I was nine years old and we were reading through scenes for 'David Copperfield', which was my first job," Radcliffe said in a press statement. "I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her.
" Radcliffe first met Smith when they co-starred in the 1999 BBC adaptation of "David Copperfield", in which he played the young David Copperfield and Smith portrayed his great-aunt Betsey Trotwood. Their professional relationship continued in the "Harry Potter" series, where Radcliffe described her as having "a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant," adding that he would "always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her." Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also took to social media to pay her respects.
In a heartfelt Inst.