Harry Potter fans' poignant tribute to Dame Maggie Smith has others in tears (original) (raw)

Harry Potter fans have come together to pay a beautiful tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, who died today, just hours after the news of her death was announced

Dame Maggie played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise

Harry Potter fans have crafted a poignant and stunning homage to the late British icon Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away on Friday, September 27.

The cherished actress, who died at the age of 89 in hospital early in the morning, was renowned for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and was beloved by fans globally. In a heartfelt gesture, fans of Dame Maggie convened at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, to honour her memory.

Gathered outside the Hogwarts Castle replica, which serves as the facade for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, mourners lifted their wands skyward in tribute to the star. The date of Maggie's passing coincided with the one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Gambon, who took over the role of Albus Dumbledore in the film saga from 2004 to 2011, following Richard Harris.

A TikTok user shared a touching video clip with the caption: "Wands up for Maggie Smith," echoing the powerful moment from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince when students and staff raise their wands after Albus Dumbledore's death. The footage, showing 100s solemnly lifting their wands, was made all the more stirring by the soundtrack of Dumbledore's Farewell music.

Fans of the beloved actress, famed for her portrayal as the Dowager Countess in "Downton Abbey," have been leaving heartfelt tributes under a touching clip. One admirer penned: "I can't stop crying every video.... wands up!!" Another shared: "The Wizarding World has the most beautiful and kindest fandom. Wands up for our loved Maggie Smith." A third fan expressed their emotion with: "I have goosebumps watching this. Fly high."

Curiosity arose among the fans, with one querying: "Does anyone know how this was organised? So beautiful." The person behind the original post responded: "It's kind of just a thing now started with Alan [Rickman, who played Professor Snape in the franchise], when the news comes everyone agrees to meet that day at 7pm at the park. See messages about it on Facebook though."

Dame Maggie died 'peacefully' with her family by her side. In a statement issued via their publicist, they said: "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. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."