Just in:Daniel Radcliffe Thanks His ‘Harry Potter’ “Professor” Maggie Smith in Touching Tribute

Daniel Radcliffe is the latest famous face to pay tribute to the beloved Dame Maggie Smith, who sadly passed away earlier today. Best known for her roles in the Harry Potter franchise—she played legendary Head of Gryffindor House, Professor Minerva McGonagall—and Downton Abbey, the actor had a long and celebrated career, which is being remembered by fans and fellow creatives, alike.

“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!’” Daniel began his heartwarming statement (via The Hollywood Reporter).

“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,” the actor added before concluding, “I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her onset. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”

Dame Maggie Smith’s passing was first announced by her sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who shared the news via a statement to the BBC that read as follows: “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. 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.”

Daniel aside, another Harry Potter alum who paid tribute to the late actor is Bonnie Wright, aka Ginny Weasley in the film franchise. In a touching Instagram tribute, the celeb penned, in part, “Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house ❤️ you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community.”