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Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, sadly passed away on September 27 at the age of 89. The news was announced by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, and was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and co-stars who cherished her legacy.
Throughout her illustrious career, Smith earned numerous accolades, with her role as McGonagall becoming legendary among fans of the Harry Potter franchise. As one of the few non-grey characters, she played a pivotal role in supporting Harry and his friends, solidifying her status as one of Hogwarts’ most beloved professors.
Despite her warm on-screen presence, Smith had a reputation for being “fierce” behind the scenes. Reports from the Evening Standard noted that while there were moments of fun during filming, Smith often maintained a more reserved demeanor. Her co-star Miriam Margolyes, who played Professor Sprout, confirmed this portrayal, describing Smith as someone to be wary of, albeit a “great lady” when treated well.
Filmmaker Chris Columbus reportedly found Smith intimidating, often minimizing contact and sending young Daniel Radcliffe to fetch her from her trailer. In an interview on This Morning, Margolyes expressed her admiration for Smith, highlighting the actress’s significant impact on the profession. “I’m scared of her, actually. She’s quite something, yes. But she is a great ornament to our profession. We’re very lucky to have her around,” Margolyes stated.
Reflecting on her experience with Smith, Margolyes explained that while the actress could be “absolutely gorgeous,” she also had a fierce side that demanded respect. “You have to be watchful with Maggie because if she’s cross, she doesn’t mind sharing it,” Margolyes warned, capturing the complex and multifaceted nature of the legendary actress.
Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy as both a talented performer and a formidable presence will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated by those she inspired throughout her remarkable career.