Late Maggie Smith’s advice helped Emma Watson overcome her biggest fear, which ameliorated her as a performer.

Despite her prolific success onscreen, Maggie Smith preferred living her life outside of the media spotlights. The renowned actress, who peacefully passed away today, is notable for headlining many acclaimed releases throughout her seven-decades-long career, which involved the likes of Downtown Abby and the Harry Potter flicks.

Maggie Smith as Minerva | Credits: Harry Potter/Warner Bros.

Moreover, the actress took a page out of her Harry Potter counterpart’s book to help a young Emma Watson overcome her nervousness about her performance, which helped the latter improve as an actor.

Maggie Smith’s Guidance Helped Emma Watson Improve Over Time

It’s not uncommon for actors to be self-critical of their own works, which could negatively affect their future works. Emma Watson was no exception, especially during her initial tenure in the beloved franchise.

While the actress put a lot of effort into ensuring she landed the gig of Hermione, which almost went to another experienced child actor, the Noah star recalled being very nervous during her initial viewings, stressing “I would kind of twist myself up like a pretzel in my seat”.

You know, it’s funny. I used to in the early Harry Potter films. I would get very nervous. I would kind of twist myself up like a pretzel in my seat and I’d bite my nails and everything.

Fortunately, Maggie Smith, who portrayed the no-nonsense Minerva McGonagall, known for pushing her students towards excellence, assisted Watson in overcoming her nervousness with a crucial piece of advice.

I’m pretty sure it was Maggie Smith who said this to me. This 10 years ago now so I, sometimes I struggle remembering. But uh — she said, you know, she basically said ‘How do you expect to get better if you don’t watch your performances?’ And I said, ‘Well that’s a good point’ and yeah.

The Little Women star ended up taking Smith’s advice to heart, as she confessed about watching all of her performances after it.

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Maggie Smith’s Demise Leaves Her Family and the Wizarding World in Utter Grief

Maggie Smith | Credits: Harry Potter/Warner Bros.

Smith, 89, who made her last public appearance at the Loewe fashion campaign in October 2023, passed away at Westminster Hospital this morning. According to the statement issued by her two sons, Toby Stephens, and Chris Larkin, the loss has left their entire family in utter grief.

She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

While her passing is an extremely deep loss for the realm of the showbiz and the wizarding world, fans hope, like Watson’s case, Smith’s guidance as Minerva will continue to shepherd many young minds.