Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe tributes to Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith

Dame Maggie Smith dead aged 89

Dame Maggie Smith's death at the age of 89 prompted heartfelt tributes from her Harry Potter co-stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe.

The trio took to their social media profiles to share messages of their fellow actor and memories of working with the screen icon.

Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger, posted a touching tribute alongside a candid photo from the set of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2.

She penned: "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."

Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, also honoured Dame Maggie, sharing a snapshot from the set.

Dame Maggie Smith died earlier this year (Image: Warner Bros)

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He said: "Heartbroken to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. I'll miss you Maggie. Sending all my love to her family. Rupert x".

Daniel Radcliffe, who famously portrayed the boy wizard in the Harry Potter saga, took to Instagram with his own heartfelt tribute.

He reminisced: "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!'"

Rupert shared a message online after Dame Maggie's death (Image: PA)

Radcliffe continued, sharing his initial apprehension and subsequent relief: "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. The word legend is overused, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, then it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie", reports the Daily Record.

The entertainment world was struck by sadness with the news that Dame Maggie Smith had passed away, as confirmed by her bereaved family earlier this year. Their heartfelt statement at the time acknowledged their deep loss and appreciation for the healthcare team, expressing: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September."

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The family shared: "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."

Dame Maggie Smith, acclaimed for a vast spectrum of roles including Sister Act, Lady in the Van, and Downton Abbey, had been celebrated with two Oscars and five BAFTAs over an exceptional career span.

Dame Maggie Smith: A Celebration airs tonight at 8.35pm on ITV1.