Harry Potter Veteran Daniel Radcliffe reflects on his relationship with Dame Maggie Smith, who died today at the age of 89. The two are commonly known for working together on the movie franchise based on JK Rowling’s books. The franchise did well, with each film earning the certified fresh accolade on Rotten Tomatoes and, if the Fantastic animals Films are counted, grossed $9.5 billion at the global box office. The two saw success in the franchise, of course, but also outside, as Smith had an acclaimed career even before the franchise, earning two Oscars.
Talk to VarietyRadcliffe 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 CopperfieldIn what was his first acting gig, he said he was nervous to meet Smith, who immediately put him at ease. Radcliffe says he was lucky to work with her for another 10 years on those Harry Potter franchise and spoke to her charactersaying she was a “A great mind, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and flatter at the same moment.Read his full statement below:
The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old, and we read through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job. I knew almost nothing about her, except that my parents were amazed that I would work with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a lady, so the first thing I asked her when we met was “Would you like me to call you lady?” To which she laughed and said something to the effect of “Don’t be ridiculous!” I remember being nervous to meet her and then she immediately put me at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to work with her another 10 years on the Harry Potter films.
She had a great mind, a wonderful sharp tongue, could scare and in the same moment and was, as anyone will tell you. Very funny. I will always consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to work with her and to spend time around her on set.
Lady Maggie Smith was one of many mentors for Radcliffe
Harry Potter’s talented cast taught Radcliffe some meaningful life lessons
unfortunately, Smith is not 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 he was one of the greatest actors he would ever work with and one of the most loyal and supportive people he met in the film industry. As the two shared important scenes in the Harry Potter films, it is safe to assume that Radcliffe benefited from Rickman’s mentorship.
Related
It is Hard to imagine that Radcliffe and Smith did not 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 many moments that shape and develop Harry as a character, leading to Smith doing the same for Radcliffe as a young actor.
Our take on Daniel Radcliffe’s heartfelt tribute
While it’s a little heartbreaking, it’s ultimately inspiring to see Radcliffe’s tribute honor Smith’s memory well. Given her character’s somewhat intimidating and strict nature as the vice director, it’s enough to hear she was a joy to have on set. As a fan of the books and movie franchise, I think Smith played the part well, finding her, as Radcliffe said, simultaneously intimidating and charming.Serving punishment and delivering inspiring messages in the same scenes. Smith was vital to the Harry Potter franchise, Harry as a character, and, in turn, vital for many fans of the franchise.
Source: Variety