Harry Potter stars pay heartbreaking tribute to Dame Maggie Smith as actor dies aged 89

Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have penned emotional tributes to Dame Maggie Smith following her passing yesterday.

Dame Maggie's sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said in a statement on Friday (27 September) the actor had 'passed away peacefully' at Chelsea and Westminster hospital.

Smith was an iconic screen presence, with memorable roles in Downton Abbey, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Sister Act, but she is best known for her work in Harry Potter.

Radcliffe, Watson and Grint worked alongside her for ten years, with Smith playing Professor McGonagall in the film series.

Radcliffe was the first to issue a statement about her death via Variety. It read: "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.

Dame Maggie Smith played Professor McGonagall for ten years (Warner Bros)

“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."

Emma Watson took to her Instagram story, writing: “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 I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness.

Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe have paid tribute (Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)

"She was real, honest, funny, self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own.

"Thank you for all your kindness, I’ll miss you.”

Rupert Grint also took to Instagram with a statement: “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.”

Meanwhile, Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the films, wrote on Instagram: "Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house. You will be so missed by the Harry Potter community.

"My favourite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has.

"She kept Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time."