Harry Potter icon Emma Watson made one fan’s dream come true this week, while appearing on Ireland’s annual The Late Late Toy Show.
Famed for her portrayal of Hogwarts whizz Hermione Granger, Watson joined yesterday’s (November 25) episode via video link to share a special message for 10-year-old Caitriona Kalogeraki, who was in the studio to raise awareness of autism.
“I wanted to send you a message to thank you for all you do to spread awareness around autism and for speaking about it so eloquently and in a way that empowers and educates other young people,” she began.
“Thank you for picking me as your favorite Harry Potter character. You seem like such an amazing and special young woman.
“I’ve heard that you can solve a Rubik’s cube in a crazy amount of time. I am sending all the best and a warm hello from London,” smiled Watson, who’s since gone on to play Meg March in Little Women and Belle in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast.
As you’d expect, the absolutely starstruck Caitriona’s jaw was left firmly on the floor.
Discussing her condition, she went on tell presenter Ryan Tubridy: “So I have this thing called autism, I don’t think of it as superpower.
“I think of it as an ability. It’s actually classified as a disability but I think it’s more of an ability. I get emotional, I cry a lot at school but it’s also really cool because I get really happy and I love being autistic.
“I just want to say a message for kids out there, if you are neurodivergent and just feel different, I just want to say that you are so so special and you are amazing,” added Caitriona.
