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Danielle Radcliffe opens up about the first time he met ‘Harry Potter’ co-star Maggie Smith

Danielle Radcliffe opens up about the first time he met ‘Harry Potter’ co-star Maggie Smith

Vaseline 1 week ago

Daniel Radcliffe and the late Maggie Smith had a special relationship that extended beyond their time on screen.

Smith died on September 27 at the age of 89, her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed, calling her an “extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

As for Radcliffe, in his tribute following news of her death, the “Harry Potter” star described the actor as a “legend.”

Radcliffe recalled first meeting and working with Smith, before he took on the life-changing role of Harry Potter and Smith who became the beloved Professor Minerva McGonagall.

“The first time I met Maggie Smith, I was nine years old and we read scenes for ‘David Copperfield,’ which was my first job,” Radcliffe said in a statement to Variety.

“I knew next to nothing about her, except that my parents were impressed that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Lady, so the first thing I asked her when we met was, “Do you want me to call you Lady?” whereupon she laughed and said something to the effect of ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’”

“I remember being nervous to meet her and she immediately put me at ease. She was incredibly kind to me during that shoot, and after that I was fortunate enough to continue working with her for another ten years on the ‘Harry Potter’ films,” he continued.

Daniel Radcliffe and Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith with Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Harry Potter’.Alamy Stock Photo

Radcliffe appeared in all eight “Harry Potter” films, while Smith appeared in all except “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.”

“Harry Potter” fans know that their characters had a deep and respectful relationship, with McGonagall watching over Harry in an almost maternal yet steadfast manner.

Radcliffe continued his tribute, adding: ‘She had a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm at the same time and was, as anyone will tell you, extremely funny. I will always consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to work with her and spend time with her on set. The word legend is overused, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, it applies to her. Thanks Maggie.”

“Harry Potter” actor Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also honored “our much-loved and respected Head of Gryffindor.” She also shared that her favorite scene with Smith was “when we all learned to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied the perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes.”

Rupert Grint, known as Ron Weasley, changed his Instagram photo to one of Smith kissing him on the cheek.