Harry Potterveteran Daniel Radcliffe reflects on his relationship with Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away today at the age of 89. The two are commonly known as working together on the movie franchise based on J.K. Rowling’s books. The franchise performed well, with every film earning the Certified Fresh accolade on Rotten Tomatoes and, iftheFantastic Beastsfilmsare counted, grossed $9.5 billion at the global box office. The two have seen success inside the franchise, of course, but also outside, as Smith had an acclaimed career even before the franchise, earning two Oscars.
Speaking withVariety, Radcliffe paid an emotional tribute to Smith. He reflected on the first time he met her, when he was nine years old, and read through scenes forDavid Copperfield, which was his first acting gig, saying he was nervous to meet Smith, who immediately put him at ease.Radcliffe says that he was lucky to work with her for another 10 years on theHarry Potterfranchise and spoke to her character, saying that she was a “a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant.” Read his full statement below:
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. I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was “Would you like me to call you Dame?” at which she laughed and said something to the effect of “Don’t be ridiculous!” 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.
She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant, and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny. I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set.
Dame Maggie Smith Was One Of Many Mentors For Radcliffe
Harry Potter’s Talented Cast Gave Radcliffe Some Meaningful Life Lessons
Unfortunately,Smith isn’t the first mentor figure Radcliffe has lost. In 2016, the industry lost anotherHarry Potterveteran, Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape. Upon his death, Radcliffe wrote a heartfelt tribute to the actor, saying that he was one of the greatest actors he would ever work with and one of the most loyal and supportive people he’d met in the film industry. As the two shared important scenes in theHarry Potterfilms, it’s safe to assume that Radcliffe benefited from Rickman’s mentorship.
Why Maggie Smith Was The Perfect Professor McGonagall In Harry Potter
Maggie Smith will be remembered for countless performances, but Harry Potter fans will be forever grateful for her perfect portrayal of McGonagall.
It’shard to imagine that Radcliffe and Smith didn’t have a similar relationship.Smith played Minerva McGonagall, a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the head of Gryffindor House, and the deputy headmistress under Albus Dumbledore. Throughout the books and film adaptations, Harry and Professor McGonagall share a lot of moments that shape and develop Harry as a character, which leads to Smith doing the very same thing for Radcliffe as a young actor.
Our Take On Daniel Radcliffe’s Heartfelt Tribute
While a bit heartbreaking, it’s ultimately inspiring to see Radcliffe’s tribute serving the memory of Smith well. Given her character’s somewhat intimidating and strict nature as the deputy headmistress, it’s pleasing to hear she was a joy to have on set. As a fan of the books and movie franchise,I believe that Smith played the part well, finding her, as Radcliffe said, simultaneously intimidating and charming, serving punishments and delivering inspiring messages in the same scenes. Smith was vital totheHarry Potterfranchise, Harry as a character, and, in turn, vital to many fans of the franchise.
Source:Variety
Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a multimedia franchise about an orphaned boy who enrolls at Hogwarts School of Wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family, and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world. Adapted from the novels, Harry Potter is an eight-episode film saga that follows the journey of Harry Potter and his friends, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley, as they navigate the tricky world of growing up, school life, and magic. Starting from year one and moving to their seventh year, the films chronicle the students' time at Hogwarts while unfurling a sinister plot that centers around the unsuspecting Harry. With the return of the dark wizard, Voldemort, the students and professors at Hogwarts will fight to carry on as the world around them may change forever. Harry Potter has expanded beyond the world of its films and novels with several video games, a spin-off film series titled Fantastic Beasts, and even attractions at Universal Studios.
