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Maggie Smith’s legendary status in film and theater is undisputed, and for Daniel Radcliffe, their first meeting left quite the impression. As a child actor, Radcliffe’s early encounters with veteran stars were often a blend of awe and nerves, but his introduction to Dame Maggie Smith was especially memorable.

Smith’s sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude turned what could have been an intimidating first exchange into a charming and humorous moment, one that Radcliffe would never forget. Their unique connection, formed during the early stages of Radcliffe’s career, paved the way for an extraordinary professional relationship that would span over a decade, deeply influencing the young actor.
The Nearly Awkward First Meeting Between Daniel Radcliffe and Maggie Smith
In 1999, nine-year-oldDaniel Radcliffewas gearing up for his very first acting gig inDavid Copperfield. It was on the set of this Charles Dickens adaptation that Radcliffe first encounteredMaggie Smith, the esteemed British actress already hailed as a Dame for her outstanding contributions to drama.
For young Daniel, the meeting was more than nerve-wracking because he had grown up with tales of Smith’s greatness and the reverence she commanded in the industry. Naturally, the young actor felt a deep urge to show her the respect she deserved.

As Radcliffe himself recounted years later in aninterviewwith Variety, the first thing he asked Smith upon meeting her was,“Would you like me to call you Dame?”which was a polite question that received a response he wasn’t quite expecting.
“She leaves 2 sons and 5 loving grandchildren”: This Harry Potter Photo Will Hit Different Now That Professor McGonagall, Dame Maggie Smith, Dies at 89
Smith shot back with a fun yet comforting response,“Don’t be ridiculous!”breaking any formality and tension that might have existed at the moment.“I remember feeling nervous to meet her, and then her putting me immediately at ease.”Her quick and disarming humor transformed what could have been an awkward encounter into the beginning of a friendship that would last over a decade.
Maggie Smith’s Admirable Career and Daniel Radcliffe’s Tribute
Maggie Smith’s time in theHarry Potterfranchise might have brought her into the spotlight for younger audiences, but her impressive body of work spanned decades, covering theater, film, and television with roles that often left a lasting impact.
Smith was a two-time Oscar winner, collecting Academy Awards for her performances inThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)andCalifornia Suite (1978). Beyond that, she secured numerous BAFTAs and Emmy Awards, proving her range across different mediums. Her ability to move seamlessly between comedy and drama made her one of the most respected figures in the entertainment world.

WhenSmith passed away on July 10, 2025, Daniel Radcliffe was one of the first to express his admiration and grief. He described her as“a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue,”a tribute that perfectly encapsulated the unique qualities that made Smith so beloved by those who worked with her.
Maggie Smith’s Last Movie Before Her Death Was in the Works Since 18 Years
Maggie Smith’s impact on film and theater is undeniable, and her legacy will live on, not only in her legendary performances but also in the hearts of her co-stars, like Daniel Radcliffe, who were fortunate enough to work alongside her.
You can watch the entireHarry Potterfranchise on Peacock Premium .
Sonika Kamble
Articles Published :1197
Sonika Kamble is an entertainment writer at Fandomwire, covering everything from timeless classics to newly released movies. With over 1000+ articles published, she delves into breakdowns, think pieces, speculations, and more.She enjoys connecting the dots and covering newfound angles about characters, scenes, and themes from movies directed by Scorsese, Fincher, Tarantino, Linklater, and other exceptional filmmakers.
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AwkwardDaniel RadcliffeDeathHarry PotterMaggie Smith

