Harry Potter enthusiasts have paid heartfelt tributes to actress Maggie Smith following her passing, highlighting her “most iconic” moments in the beloved franchise.
The esteemed star of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, Maggie Smith, passed away on September 27, as her family confirmed in a public statement. Her impressive career, spanning over seven decades, is deeply cherished by fans, particularly for her role in the wizarding world.
Maggie Smith was introduced to audiences in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001, portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall, head of Gryffindor house and deputy headmistress to Albus Dumbledore. Known for her sharp, sarcastic wit and warm demeanor, McGonagall delivered numerous memorable lines throughout the franchise, with one scene standing out above the rest.
“Will always remember this as one of Maggie Smith’s most iconic scenes,” one fan shared on X/Twitter, alongside a clip of McGonagall confronting Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After Voldemort seized control of Hogwarts, former students returned to combat the Dementors … with some support from the professors.
Will always remember this as one of Maggie Smith’s most iconic scenes ❤️ #MaggieSmith #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/BXheUHvVbo
— Jack Proverbs (@JackProverbsPR) September 27, 2024
Another fan agreed, noting, “Maggie Smith’s performances are filled with iconic moments.” They pointed out a memorable scene from Downton Abbey, where her character, Violet Crawley, delivers clever lines that blend humor with wisdom.
A third fan reminisced, “Mine being ‘I always wanted to use that spell.’”
“Omg. Was just thinking about this scene when I saw the news,” added a fourth fan who wrote.
McGonagall’s Piertotum Locomotor incantation and her memorable transformation into a cat are also frequently mentioned as fan-favorite moments.
“RIP to a legendary actress and a significant part of my childhood. Rest easy, Professor McGonagall,” one supporter expressed.
“Maggie Smith gave us one of the most delightfully chilling scenes in the Harry Potter film series. This scene will remain etched in my memory forever because Maggie executed it flawlessly,” another fan remarked.
RIP Maggie Smith, this was one of my favourite scenes from Harry Potter with professor mcgonagall 💔 pic.twitter.com/Qe61BS7u9w
— Aaron Paul – ImHybrid (@HYBRlD) September 27, 2024
Maggie Smith appeared in all Harry Potter films up to 2011, later starring in her celebrated TV role as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey starting in 2010. While these characters are distinctly different, both exhibit Smith’s incredible talent and sharp humor, making them standout performances in her illustrious career.
“Maggie Smith is one of those names that you can’t envision the world without. A cinematic icon that you’d think would be eternal. And she WILL be eternal—she brought life to every role, from Gosford Park to Harry Potter, from California Suite to Washington Square. Immortal,” one fan tweeted.
At the time of her passing, Smith was involved in one film – A German Life – which is currently in production. It remains uncertain if she was set to appear in the anticipated third and final Downton Abbey movie.
Fans can currently stream all of the Harry Potter films on Max.
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