The world of cinema is in mourning following the loss of Maggie Smith, the legendary actress known for her iconic roles as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin
who shared through social media that their beloved mother passed away peacefully at the age of 89, surrounded by family at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.
Harry Potter Cast’s Reactions to Maggie Smith’s Death
Maggie Smith’s passing is not just a devastating blow for Harry Potter fans—it’s also a personal loss for the cast who spent a decade working alongside the beloved actress. Slowly, many of the actors from the wizarding world have shared their reactions to the loss of the iconic Professor McGonagall.
Daniel Radcliffe, the star of Harry Potter, penned a heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply with fans:
“She had a brilliant mind, a gloriously sharp tongue, and she could intimidate and charm in the same moment. And as everyone will tell you, she was incredibly funny… I’ll always consider myself incredibly lucky to have worked with her and spent time around her on set. The word ‘legend’ is overused, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, it’s her. Thank you, Maggie,” he wrote.
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, chose a quieter tribute. While he didn’t post a message, he changed his Instagram profile picture to one where Maggie is seen kissing him on the cheek—a touching moment that says it all.
Afshan Azad-Kazi, who portrayed Padma Patil, expressed her grief through a heartfelt post, calling it an honor to have shared the screen with Maggie. She also extended her deepest condolences to Maggie’s family and fans.
Chris Rankin, known for his role as Percy Weasley, took to social media to reflect on the immense talent Maggie possessed:
“There aren’t many people in this world who had as sharp, funny, kind, or intimidating a tongue as Maggie Smith. I’m truly fortunate to have shared a movie set with her. They don’t make them like that anymore,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, has yet to comment publicly on the tragic loss.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Mariana Martell in Cultura Colectiva