Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe Emotionally Reflects On Working With Maggie Smith: "A Fierce Intellect”

 

Harry Potter veteran 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, if the Fantastic Beasts films are 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 with Variety, 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 for David 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 the Harry Potter franchise 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 another Harry Potter veteran, 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 the Harry Potter films, it's safe to assume that Radcliffe benefited from Rickman's mentorship.

It’s hard 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 to the Harry Potter franchise, Harry as a character, and, in turn, vital to many fans of the franchise.