‘I Had Loved Her As…’: Maggie Smith’s First Wives Club Costar Bronson Pinchot Recalls First Encounter Amid Actresses’s Death

As a lifestyle expert with a penchant for the art of storytelling and the nuances of human interaction, I find myself deeply moved by the heartwarming tale of Maggie Smith and Bronson Pinchot’s camaraderie, forged in the hallowed halls of Hollywood. Their unique bond, born out of a mutual respect and playful banter, serves as a testament to the transformative power of shared experiences and the beauty of finding connections in the most unexpected places.


Maggie Smith’s fellow actor from The First Wives Club, Bronson Pinchot, offered a touching tribute to the late actress, reminiscing about their amusing first encounter on set. Since the sad news of the Harry Potter veteran’s passing became public, many celebrities and former co-stars have voiced their sorrow and sympathy.

1996 movie co-star Pinchot shared with PEOPLE that their initial meeting occurred on a funeral home set while filming. He remembered, “No one introduced us; they simply placed us together.” The actor from Perfect Strangers complimented the Oscar-winning actress for her portrayal of Desdemona in Othello.

In a different version of events, instead of being charmed, the Downton Abbey actress playfully reprimanded him with her handbag, saying softly but assertively, “We won’t tolerate that.” He remembers this incident fondly and shared that from that moment on, he admired her not just as an artist, but as a person. Pinchot had previously spoken about their first meeting in an interview with the same media outlet.

He humorously shared his initial feelings upon being cast alongside the lead of the 1965 Othello production, where Smith acted opposite Laurence Olivier – an appearance that earned her one of her six Oscar nominations. “I became so emotional that my girlfriend and sister had to carry me out like a limp doll since I was so overwhelmed,” he explained.

When he tried to express his feelings towards Smith during their acting project, she responded by lightly hitting him with her purse, as if they were simply colleagues and he didn’t need to praise her so much. He recalled this moment at the time as being both assertive and eloquent. It was a special moment because what she was essentially saying was, “We’re on equal footing here.” He continued by expressing his deep admiration for her, stating, “Oh, I simply adored her.

On September 27, it was confirmed that the well-renowned actress who portrayed Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series – famously known for her work in Shakespearean plays – passed away. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, shared the heartbreaking news through a statement, indicating that she had peacefully passed away at the hospital.

She was someone who greatly valued her privacy, yet she was enveloped by her dear ones in her last moments. The announcement further mentioned that she leaves behind two sons and five adoring grandchildren, all of whom are deeply saddened by the passing of their exceptional mother and grandmother. In addition, they expressed gratitude towards those who extended their well-wishes and kindly asked for privacy for the family during this sorrowful period, to allow them space to grieve.

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2024-09-27 23:08