Harry Potter fans remember ‘iconic’ McGonagall scene following Dame Maggie Smith’s death

'Maggie Smith in these movies was just so good'

On Friday afternoon, Dame Maggie's family announced the British acting legend had passed away at the age of 89.

Over a glittering career spanning seven decades, Smith became one of the most recognisable names in British acting, winning two Oscars and being made a dame in 1990.

But it was for her role as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films that many will best remember the actor.

Following the news of her death, Potter fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Dame Maggie and share some of their favourite McGonagall scenes.

In a post on X, one fan shared a particularly memorable scene from The Deathly Hallows Part 2, in which McGonagall sends Professor Snape packing from Hogwarts.

They wrote: "Will always remember this as one of Maggie Smith’s most iconic scenes."

Others agreed, saying the scene gave them "chills" and that Smith would be "forever a legend" for her role as the witch.

Sharing the same clip, another fan wrote: "Rest In Peace to Maggie Smith truly one of the goats (greatest of all time)."

Many have shared their own favourite McGonagall scenes. In another Deathly Hallows Part 2 scene, McGonagall casts a spell to protect Hogwarts from Voldemort's oncoming army.

Sharing the scene, one person said: "Maggie smith in these movies was just so good, she gave such an amazing performance in every film, it was always so comforting to see her… she will be so missed."

Someone else replied: "She added such a tenderness to the world of the films, this is devastating."

A third wrote: "RIP Maggie Smith, this was one of my favourite scenes from Harry Potter with professor mcgonagall."

Smith starred as McGonagall in all eight of the Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011, becoming one of the most popular characters in the franchise.

Announcing Smith's death, her children Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said in a statement: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. 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.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”