Harry Potter author JK Rowling and stars from the popular film series paid tribute to British actress Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagall in the fantasy drama, following her passing at the age of 89 on Friday. The veteran actress passed away exactly a year after the death of her Harry Potter co-star Michael Gambon, who played Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

In a statement to American entertainment magazine Variety, Daniel Radcliffe, who played the role of Harry Potter, recalled meeting Smith at the age of nine during table reads for his debut film David Copperfield. Despite feeling nervous, he remembered Smith as “incredibly kind” as she quickly put him at ease.

“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,” Radcliffe said, adding that he will always consider himself lucky to have worked with the actress.

Emma Watson, who played the role of Hermione Granger in the film series, shared a photo with Smith from the sets and penned an emotional note. “When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend — the woman I was fortunate enough to share space with. It is only as I’ve become an adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness. She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God, you held your own. Thank you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you,” she wrote.

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, paid tribute to Smith by updating his Instagram profile picture to a photo of her planting a kiss on his cheek.

For Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the films, one of her favourite memories with Smith is from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when the latter’s character teaches the Hogwarts students to dance for the Yule Ball. “She embodied that 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,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Somehow I thought she'd live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith,” Rowling, the author of the seven-part Harry Potter novels, wrote on X.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black, said, “Maggie Smith, one of the true Greats along with [Laurence] Olivier and [John] Gielgud … those who saw her dazzling talent on the stage say they can never forget her. Her magnificent film performances remain for all to see and enjoy. Such an artist comes along about every other generation. If one is lucky.”

James Phelps, who played the role of Fred Weasley, took to his Instagram stories and mentioned how the actress taught him to act both on and off stage. “Very sad to hear the news today. It was an honour to have been on the same sets as Dame Maggie Smith. On HP, she was always welcoming, funny and also showed how to act not just on the set, but off too. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time,” he wrote.

Describing Smith as the “most intimidating” and yet the “kindest” person, Devon Murray, who played Gryffindor student Seamus Finnegan, wrote, “I’ve so many fond memories with Maggie. From getting drunk while waiting for a Fax in a hotel reception to getting some of the best hugs and cuddles in the world to even Maggie trying to keep a straight face while shooting a scene while a Baboon continuously masturbated as soon as she’d speak.”

“They don’t make them like that anymore,” is how Chris Rankin, who played Hogwarts prefect Percy Weasley, paid homage to Smith's talent, kindness and humour. “There’s not many people in the world who were as brilliantly talented, waspishly sharp tongued, funny, kind or intimidating as Maggie Smith. I am truly lucky to have shared a film set with her,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Legend. Icon. An absolute honour to have shared the same room as you let alone screen,” Afshan Azad, who played Padma Patil, shared via Instagram Story. “There’ll be no other. Thoughts and love go to all her friends and family and all the Potter family. RIP,” she said.