Maggie Smith remembered by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Whoopi Goldberg and more

Daniel Radcliffe and Whoopi Goldberg are among those mourning the death of beloved British actress Maggie Smith this week.

The acclaimed actress, a Shakespearean veteran best known later in her career for memorable turns in the “Harry Potter” film franchise and the “Downton Abbey” television series, died Friday at the age of 89.

Smith won numerous awards throughout her life, including two Oscars, four Emmys and a Tony, but she also captured the hearts of fellow actors and audiences around the world.

Read on to see how Smith is remembered in tributes.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular character in the “Harry Potter” film series, shared a statement reflecting on the first time he met Smith when he was a young actor.

“The first time I met Maggie Smith, I was 9 years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job,” he began. “I knew next to nothing about her other than my parents were impressed that I was going to 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 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 lucky enough to continue working with her for another ten years on the Harry Potter films,” Radcliffe continued. “She had a fierce intellect, a wonderfully 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 fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her, and to spend time with her on set. The word legend is overused, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, it applies to her.

Whoopi Goudberg

Whoopi Goldberg, who co-starred with Smith in 1992’s “Sister Act” and 1993’s “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” shared a still of them together from the musical films on Instagram.

“Maggie Smith was a wonderful woman and a brilliant actress,” she wrote. “I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with this one-of-a-kind. My sincere condolences go out to the family…RIP.”

Rob Lowe

Rob Lowe, Smith’s co-star in “Suddenly, Last Summer,” called her “a lion.”

“Saddened to hear that Dame Maggie Smith has passed away,” Lowe wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “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 good company. And left Don’t worry. We’ll never see another one. God speed, Mrs. Smith!’

Michelle Dockery

Smith’s “Downton Abbey” co-star Michelle Dockery called the actress “a maverick” in a statement.

“There was no one like Maggie,” she said. “I feel extremely fortunate to have known such an outlier. She will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with her family.”

Hugh Bonneville

Hugh Bonneville, another of Smith’s castmates on “Downton Abbey,” shared a statement praising the actress’ “keen eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.”

“Anyone who has ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her keen eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” he said. “She was a true legend of her generation and will happily live on in so many wonderful film performances. My condolences to her boys and the wider family.”

Bonnie Wright

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, recalling her favorite scene with Smith.

“Our much loved and respected Head of Gryffindor House ❤️ you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community,” she wrote. “My favorite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning 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. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time.”

King Charles III

King Charles III shared a statement on behalf of himself and Queen Camila on Friday, saying: “My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain falls on a national treasure, we join those around the world in remembering with the greatest admiration and affection her many wonderful performances, and her warmth and humor that shone both on and off the stage.

Rupert Grint

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a photo of himself and Smith.

“Broken my heart to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and especially to have shared a dance. I will miss you Maggie. send all my love to her family.

Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney shared an Instagram post stating that he first met Smith in the 1960s and that she was “a wonderful person with a wicked sense of humor.”

“It is so sad to hear that Dame Maggie Smith, the great actress, has passed away. She was a wonderful person with a wicked sense of humor who I had the pleasure of getting to know over the years.

I first met her in the 1960s and had dinner with her occasionally, so I knew from the start that her personality was irreverent and fun. As an actress, she appeared in many plays, films and television productions, earning her the respect of her fellow actors and the rest of the world. She will be missed, but remembered with great affection and love.”

Emma Watson

Another co-star of Smith’s “Harry Potter,” Emma Watson, shared her tribute via Instagram Stories on Saturday.

“When I was younger, I had no idea of ​​Maggie’s legend — the woman I was lucky enough to share space with,” the 34-year-old actress wrote beneath a behind-the-scenes photo of Smith hugging her face. “It’s only now that I’ve grown up that I’ve come to realize that I was sharing the screen with a true definition of greatness.”