Maggie Smith gave young Harry Potter star moment he'll 'never forget' as tributes pour in

Dame Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89, but her legacy will live on forever

Alongside all her incredible achievements, Maggie Smith gave a young Harry Potter star a moment he will 'never forget'.

As tributes flood in for Dame Maggie Smith, who has sadly died aged 89, many are remembering some specific moments of hers that will stay with them forever.

Maggie's sons announced that the legendary actress had died on Friday morning after an incredible career than spanned seven decades and genres. From the West End to Broadway and the UK to Hollywood, she delighted fans with a wonderful selection of roles.

She made a name for herself very early on and worked with theatre greats such as Sir Lawrence Olivier and Kenneth Williams and continued to thrive on stage up until 2019. Her film and television portfolio is arguably one of the greatest as Dame Maggie appeared in greats including

Of course, it was her work on The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and in California Suite in 1978 that brought her two Oscars. Her appearances in My House in Umbria and her iconic role as Violet Crawley gave her four Emmy's in total.

As a reporter who writes a lot about Harry Potter, it is also her role as Professor McGonagall that I will forever cherish. Dame Maggie perfectly captured the Hogwarts teacher - a no-nonsense, quick wit professor with a sharp tongue, but also someone whose empathy and bravery shone through.

It is clear that she was extremely loved on set too. She appeared regularly throughout the films, and had many epochal moments.

During one scene from that film, the professor has a stand off with Snape and ultimately sends him packing. In another pivotal moment, Professor McGonagall leads the defence of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry against Voldemort.

After using the Piertotum Locomotor, she lightly confesses, "I've always wanted to use that spell." Dame Maggie has perfect comedic timing in otherwise serious scenes.

But another iconic moment, which many fans often recall, was in the Goblet of Fire when she taught the Hogwarts students how to dance. She chose Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, to dance and he very reluctantly agreed. In the scene, Ron is clearly uncomfortable but Rupert Grint confessed that it was an experience he'll "never forget".

While Daniel Radcliffe recalled the first time he met her on the set of David Copperfield. As a young eight year old, he only knew her as someone called Dame Maggie Smith and had little knowledge of her roles.

But he quickly endeared her by innocently asking 'Should I call you Dame?' Of course, Maggie quickly replied with 'no of course not'.

In a touching tribute to the 89-year-old, Daniel wrote today: "Truly heartbreaking, she was one of the most talented women to ever live. She left an amazing legacy and she’ll always be remembered."

This role brought a new generation of younger Maggie Smith fans, who might not have been aware of her earlier work. And it's clear that after today's announcement, she touched many many hearts.

Responding to her death, a Harry Potter fan wrote: "I’ve always wanted to use that spell. Those words with her expressions."

While another said: "Raise your wands. Rest in peace, Maggie."

We didn't know much about her private life but it was clear she was someone with great wit and humour. On the Graham Norton show in 2015 she recalled bumping into a young Harry Potter fan who asked her: "Were you really a cat?"

In her inoffensive way, Maggie said she responded with: "Just pull yourself together."

We know her as Dame Maggie Smith, a brilliant actor. It seems unfathomable that someone like her is no longer with us.

While many of us will remember her as the hearty, Scottish Hogwarts Professor, or the naughty and strong willed Dowager Countess, those close to her will I'm sure remember her for so much more.

A mother, grandmother and friend.