Robbie Coltrane was the beloved half-giant actor who played Rubeus Hagrid. Harry Potterseries, who was 72 years old on Friday, has died.
Coltrane’s professional career didn’t begin in 2001 with the first recording. Harry PotterFilm, but it was undoubtedly his most memorable role. With his portrayal, the compassionate and animal-loving Scottish actor was a role model for countless generations. Fans, friends, and family of the actor who brought Hogwarts’ official keeper of the keys, grounds, and characters to life took to social media to express their sorrow.
In a statement, Daniel Radcliffe — who played the film franchise’s titular character Harry Potter — remembered Coltrane as a magical cast member.
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” Radcliffe’s statement reads, IndieWire. “I’ve especially fond memories of him keeping our spirits up on ‘Prisoner of Azkaban,’ when we were all hiding from the torrential rain for hours in Hagrid’s hut and he was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up. I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed. He was a great actor and a charming man.”
Emma Watson played Hermoine Granger on the franchise. wrote a heartfelt odeColtrane for her Instagram Story.
“His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance,” Watson wrote. Robbie, I promise to do the same for you on film sets if I ever have the chance to be as kind to you. You know how much I love and admire you. I will miss you, your smile, your jokes, your warmth and your hugs. We were a family because of you. You were that to us. Hagrid could not have been more wonderful. It was a pleasure to be Hermione.
Similar to Tom Felton who played Harry Potter’s blonde-haired, sassy rival Draco Malfoy wrote that Coltrane was one of the greatest joys of filming.
“One of my fondest memories filming Harry Potter was the night shoot in the forbidden forests. I was 12. Robbie cared & looked after everyone around of him. Felton shared this Instagram post: “Effortlessly.” “And made them smile. Effortlessly. He was a friendly giant on screen, but even more so in real life. I love you, mate. Thank you for everything.
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley tweeted: “Heartbroken at the passing Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid was my favorite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home & unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly. We appreciate your laughter. Miss you Robbie. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Coltrane will be remembered as many things — a talented actor, fun coworker, and kind person — by friends, family, and costars. Coltrane was a great actor, a fun coworker and a kind person. It is stated in the documentary Return to Hogwarts: “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children. So you could be watching in 50 years’ time. I’ll not be here sadly, but Hagrid will.”
