Emma Watson honors ‘legend’ Maggie Smith: ‘There were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own’

Emma Watson is paying tribute to her late Harry Potter costar Dame Maggie Smith.

Watson, who played student Hermione Granger in the film series, posted a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram to the two-time Oscar winner, who died Friday morning at age 89. "When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie's legend — the woman I was fortunate to share space with," Watson wrote. "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."

Smith appeared alongside Watson in seven of the eight blockbuster Harry Potter films between 2000 and 2011. Smith portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall, who taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was deputy headmistress of the school, and was the head of Gryffindor House.

The Beauty and the Beast star highlighted Smith's strength as one of the few women in the films' adult ensemble. "She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring," Watson wrote. "Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own."

The actress concluded her remarks with gratitude. "Thank you for all of your kindness," she wrote. "I'll miss you."

Maggie Smith, two-time Oscar-winning Harry Potter and Downton Abbey actress, dies at 89

Smith died early in the morning on Friday, Sept. 27, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, her family announced. "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end," her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said in a statement. "She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren, who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."

There was an outpouring of tributes to Smith from the film series' actors on Friday. Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular boy wizard in the series, remembered her as "a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny" in a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly.

Harry Potter stars pay tribute to Maggie Smith: 'She kept Gryffindors on their toes'

Meanwhile, Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in four Potter movies, shared a statement with EW praising the late actress' talents. "Maggie Smith, one of the true Greats along with [Laurence] Olivier and [John] Gielgud… those who saw her dazzling talent on the stage say they can never forget her," he said. "Her magnificent film performances remain for all to see and enjoy. Such an artist comes along about every other generation. If one is lucky."

Downton Abbey creator and cast pay tribute to Maggie Smith: 'Truly one of the greats'

On social media, Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in every Potter movie, remembered that Smith "kept Gryffindors on their toes," while Devon Murray, who played Seamus Finnigan in the series, called Smith "the most intimidating person I’ve ever met but once cracked she was the kindest, most caring and loving Lady I’ve ever met."

CORRECTION: Maggie Smith appeared in only seven of the eight Harry Potter films. This article has been updated to reflect this correction.