Harry Potter and theatre legend Maggie Smith passes away at 89 — here's how Daniel Radcliffe, King Charles and others reacted

The world mourns the loss of one of its most cherished and talented actresses, Maggie Smith, who passed away at the age of 89 on Friday. Known for her unforgettable roles in the Harry Potter series, Downton Abbey, and countless other films and plays, Smith’s death marks the end of an era in British theatre and cinema.

Tributes from colleagues and co-stars

Actors, collaborators, and fans have come forward to express their grief and pay tribute to the legendary actress. Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter and worked closely with Smith in the film series, shared a personal memory of the first time he met her. “The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old... I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films,” Radcliffe recalled.

Radcliffe went on to describe Smith as having "a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, [who] could intimidate and charm in the same instant." He emphasised how fortunate he felt to have worked with her, saying, “The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.”

Other Harry Potter cast members and filmmakers echoed similar sentiments, with many describing Smith as an unparalleled talent who had a lasting influence on those she worked with.

A national treasure and a theatre icon

Smith’s passing has sent ripples through the British entertainment world, with many prominent figures reflecting on her vast contributions to the arts. Helen Mirren, one of Smith’s peers and a fellow acting legend, told the Associated Press, “It's a very sad day for the whole culture of theatre and cinema in England... She was one of the greatest actresses of the past century, without a doubt.”
Hugh Bonneville, Smith’s co-star in Downton Abbey, expressed his admiration for her wit and talent, saying, “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation.” He extended his condolences to Smith’s family, particularly her two sons.

Julian Fellowes, the creator and writer of Downton Abbey, highlighted how writing for Smith was a "joy" due to her ability to bring depth, humour, and heartbreak to her roles. “Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her,” Fellowes stated.

A legacy spanning decades

Smith's career spanned over seven decades, and she gained worldwide fame for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. However, she had already established herself as a formidable force in theatre and film long before that. Smith won two Academy Awards, one for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and another for California Suite (1978). Her work in Downton Abbey brought her further acclaim, earning her three Primetime Emmy Awards.

Maggie Smith’s body of work reflects her versatility, from period dramas like A Room with a View to the comedic and dramatic Sister Act. Her Sister Act co-star, Whoopi Goldberg, paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress... My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.”

National and royal tributes

Smith’s death has also garnered tributes from notable figures outside the entertainment world. King Charles III, known to have been an admirer of her work, expressed his sorrow, stating, “As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we can join all those around the world in remembering with fondness admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on stage and off.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also acknowledged Smith’s contribution to the arts, saying, “Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career. She was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”

Many of those who worked with Smith also remembered her for her sharp wit and the power she brought to her performances. Filmmaker James Ivory, who directed her in A Room with a View and Quartet, fondly remembered her humour: “Maggie Smith was the wittiest woman I ever met in my life... Some of the very funny things she said you would not be able to print.”

Actor Rob Lowe, who had worked with Smith, shared how she could command any scene. “I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company.”

Maggie Smith’s death leaves an indelible void in both the theatre and film industries. As tributes pour in from all corners of the world, it’s clear that her legacy will live on for generations. Known for her grace, intelligence, wit, and ability to embody characters that touched hearts, Maggie Smith’s brilliance transcended genres and eras.

(With inputs from agencies)