Watch: Potterheads' Emotional Tribute To 'Professor McGonagall' Maggie Smith Outside Universal Studios

The magical world of Harry Potter has always been a place where Potterheads find comfort, nostalgia and deep connections. But this time, the magic wasn’t on the screen – it was created by those who came together to honour an iconic character. In a moment that could easily have been scripted straight out of the films, Harry Potter fans paid a touching tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, leaving onlookers teary-eyed and united in their shared love for the actress. Maggie Smith, who passed away on Friday, September 27 at the age of 89, was adored for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series.

Fans, deeply moved by the loss, gathered at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida, to show their respects in a way that could only be described as beautiful.

Standing outside the replica of Hogwarts Castle, fans raised their wands to the sky – a gesture as iconic as the actress herself. This touching tribute came exactly one year after the passing of Michael Gambon, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore, making the moment even more emotional.

A video shared on X captured the tribute. In the clip, hundreds of fans raised their wands as the moving melody of “Dumbledore’s Farewell” played, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Maggie, also known for her unforgettable portrayal of the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, released a statement confirming her demise, saying that she died early Friday in a London hospital.

The family’s statement read, “It is with great sadness we announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September, surrounded by friends and family. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren, all heartbroken by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would also like to thank the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days.”

In addition to her iconic role in Harry Potter, Maggie Smith earned widespread recognition for her Oscar-winning performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978). In recent years, she continued to enchant viewers with her portrayal of Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. Her remarkable talent also shone on stage, earning her a Tony Award in 1990 for Lettice and Lovage.