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Daniel Radcliffe leads tributes to "gloriously sharp" Dame Maggie Smith

Daniel Radcliffe leads tributes to
© Warner Bros.
King Charles III, Daniel Radcliffe, Sir Michael Caine, Emma Watson and more pay tribute to Dame Maggie Smith following her death at the age of 89.

The world of showbiz has been paying tribute to Dame Maggie Smith following her death at the age of 89 on Friday.

The veteran actress of screen and stage passed away after a career stretching back to the 1950s, including Oscar-winning turns in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite, while in recent decades she became known to younger audiences with roles in Sister Act, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

Scroll on to read some of the tributes.

"My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage."
King Charles III

"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," Radcliffe said in a statement. "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!' 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."
Daniel Radcliffe

"Somehow I thought she'd live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith."
JK Rowling

"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 l'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."
Emma Watson

"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"
Rupert Grint

"Deeply saddened to wake up to the news of Maggie's passing. There quite simply was no one like her. Thank you for looking after us from literally day one. Thank you for not getting me kicked off the set when I couldn't stop giggling during your transfiguration class. Thank you for showing us the way. Raise your wands x"
Tom Felton

"Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family."
Hugh Bonneville

"Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can't believe I was lucky enough to work with the 'one-of-a-kind". My heartfelt condolences go out to the family...RIP."
Whoopi Goldberg

"Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!"
Rob Lowe

"Maggie Smith was a truly great actress and we were more than fortunate to be part of the last act in her stellar career. She was a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking. Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her."
Downton Abbey creator Sir Julian Fellowes

"There was no one quite like Maggie. I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick. She will be deeply missed and my thoughts are with her family."
Michelle Dockery

"I am so sad to hear of the passing of Maggie Smith. I luckily saw her perform on stage, and her work was so compelling and unique. She was delightful and will be missed."
Sir Patrick Stewart

"It was my privilege to make two Films alongside the Legendary Maggie Smith. A truly brilliant Actress and a dear friend, who I will greatly miss."
Sir Michael Caine

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