Harry Potter costar Brendan Gleeson has paid tribute to Maggie Smith whilst sharing a 'poignant afternoon in Oxford' memory.

Smith, who passed away last Friday, was educated at Oxford High School for Girls and later the Oxford Playhouse School.

Reflecting on a moment with her in an interview with Variety, Gleeson said: "My moment was an afternoon in Oxford where we were shooting in Oxford and she was remembering all the people she had been in the players (Oxford Playhouse) with, she remembered people who had passed. 

"She was feeling quite, well it was a very poignant afternoon. She was very sweet she was very funny and yeah I just thought she was absolutely lovely.

@varietymagazine Brendan Gleeson remembers Maggie Smith, his #HarryPotter ♬ original sound - Variety

"Of course, she terrifies everybody, but there was a real beating heart behind it - that was unmistakable. We miss her."

Gleeson played Mad-Eye Moody opposite Maggie Smith's Professor McGonagall in several Harry Potter films.

Oxford's tributes to Maggie Smith:

Following her family's announcement of her death in hospital on Friday (September 27), Oxford High School posted online: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, who attended Oxford High School GDST between 1947 and 1951 and went on to win two Oscars and star in the Harry Potter films.

"Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time."

Oxford Playhouse, where she was patron, said it was "a privilege to know her".

In a tribute, the theatre said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, a true icon of stage and screen, and a beloved patron of Oxford Playhouse.

"She began her career at our theatre as Viola in the 1952 OUDS’ production of Twelfth Night, continuing to perform with the company throughout her time at Oxford, starring in Cinderella, Rookery Nook and The Government Inspector, among others.

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"We are honoured to have been a small part of her celebrated career.

"Her extraordinary talent, grace and commitment to the arts left an incredible mark on the world of theatre.

"As a long-time supporter of Oxford Playhouse, her passion for nurturing creativity and inspiring the next generation of performers will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know her."