Maggie Smith was a legend in her own right and had an illustrious career spanning several decades. All the Harry Potter fans would remember her as Professor Minerva McGonagall, a tough and rule-abiding witch. But in reality, Smith was the complete opposite of her character, widely beloved for her kind and composed demeanor. While the entire world was grieving the loss of such a talented actress, it was her friend, Judi Dench, whose reaction to Smith’s death further broke everyone’s heart.

Maggie Smith in a still from Harry Potter | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

The last couple of weeks have been quite tough on English actress Judi Dench, who lost not one but two of her closest friends, that too within a week. When she was asked the same question during a recent interview, her answer had everyone crying in the corner.

Actress Judi Dench’s Emotional Response to Maggie Smith’s Death

Judi Dench and Maggie Smith had a friendship that spanned several decades. They met each other for the first time in 1958 and just clicked. So, much so that Smith even gave a shout-out to her friend as well as their friendship in 2002. She further added “What I remember about that time was the beginning of a friendship. I remember laughter more than anything in the world.”

Maggie Smith in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie | Credits: 20th Century Fox

This was just a small part of what made their friendship so memorable. Now, with Smith’s recent passing, Judi Dench marked her first public appearance at the Cheltenham Literature Festival via Independent. While she initially seemed in a happy mood, it quickly turned heartbreaking when actor Brendan O’Hea, asked the actress about how she is coping with Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt’s passing. He added:

I know I probably shouldn’t bring this up, I know the last week has been tricky for you because you lost your great friends Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt.

Leigh-Hunt had passed away just a couple of weeks before Smith at the age of 88. Further, Hunt and Dench became friends when they participated in the BBC sitcom As Time Goes By. On the topic of Maggie Smith, the actor further asked Dench to elaborate on her past comments in which she compared grief to petrol.

The actress could only say “I suppose because the energy that’s created by grief …” before her voice trailed off and tears started to fall. Both actresses had been frequent collaborators on stage and also participated in the 2018 documentary titled Nothing Like a Dame.

Emma Watson Honors the Late Maggie Smith in a Heartfelt Post

After Maggie Smith’s passing at the age of 89, all of her co-stars as well as friends have been pouring in their heartfelt condolences. Adding to this, Emma Watson posted a tribute to the actress on her official Instagram via EW.

Emma Watson in Harry Potter (2001) | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Both the actresses had worked together in all the Harry Potter movies from 2000-2011, and also shared a very close bond. In her post, Watson wrote:

When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend — the woman I was fortunate 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.

Maggie Smith passed away on the morning of Friday, September 27, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, leaving behind a legacy that deeply touched her co-stars and admirers. Among the many tributes flooding in, Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, fondly remembered Smith for her sharp wit and remarkable presence.

He described her as a person with a “fierce intellect” and noted how she could both intimidate and charm at the same moment.