Coltrane was described by JK Rowling as “an extraordinary talent, a real one off.”
Robbie Coltrane, a seasoned Scottish performer and comedian, passed away on Friday at the age of 72. (October 14). His health has been declining for almost two years. He was involved in many large and small-screen productions over the course of his more than 40-year acting career, but Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant, half-human gamekeeper of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which served as the films’ primary setting, will be remembered most for his role in the “Harry Potter” series. The protagonist of the films, Hagrid was a kind of gentle giant who liked solitude and preferred the company of animals and magical beings to that of people.
Read about the passing of actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.
As soon as word of his passing spread, memorials flooded social media and other channels. Coltrane’s co-stars from the “Harry Potter” book series and author JK Rowling “Harry Potter” movies, and other well-known people posted tributes and condolences on social media.
I’ll never meet another person even close to Robbie Coltrane. I feel myself tremendously lucky to have known him, worked with him, and laughed wildly with him because he had a very special skill. My deepest sympathies and love are with his family, especially his kids. pic.twitter.com/tzpln8hD9z
— J.K. Rowling on October 14, 2022 (@jk rowling)
I’ll never know someone nearly like Robbie Coltrane again, JK Rowling tweeted. He had a very unique talent, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have known him, worked with him, and laughed uncontrollably with him. My heartfelt condolences and affection go out to his family, especially his children.
The actor who played Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe, said in a statement: “Robbie was one of the funniest individuals I’ve encountered and used to keep us laughing continuously as children on the set. On Prisoner of Azkaban, when we were all sheltering from the pouring rain for hours in Hagrid’s hut, I have very cherished recollections of him keeping our spirits high. He did this by sharing jokes and stories to lighten the mood. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him and collaborated with him, and I’m heartbroken by his passing. He was a terrific performer and a gorgeous dude.
Emma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” films, stated on Instagram: “Robbie Coltrane was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had, but most importantly, he was truly caring and sympathetic towards me as a child and an adult. He could fill ANY area with his brilliance, thus it was only fitting that he portrayed a giant given his prodigious talent.
Robbie, I swear I’ll act in your honour and memory if I ever get the opportunity to be as good to someone as you were to me on a movie set. Please know how much I love and respect you. Your kindness, your nick names, your warmth, your jokes, and your embraces will be much missed. You united us as a unit. You were that to us, you know. No Hagrid was better than he was. You made being Hermoine enjoyable.
One of Tom Felton’s favourite memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first movie in the forbidden forest. Felton played the evil Draco Malfoy in the films. I was 12. Robbie Coltrane was concerned for and took care of everyone around him. Effortlessly. made them chuckle, too. Effortlessly. In actual life, he was even bigger and friendlier than he appeared to be on film. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, mate.
Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville Longbottom in movies, commented on Twitter, “Robbie. Bobser. He referred to me as Space Boy. We both enjoyed exploring the last frontier. He didn’t give a damn, and you could never help but smile. a huge person in many ways. We experienced x times.
Robbie Coltrane. Bobser. He referred to me as Space Boy. We both enjoyed exploring the last frontier. He didn’t give a damn, and you could never help but smile. a huge person in many ways. We experienced times x.
October 14, 2022 — Matthew Lewis (@Mattdavelewis)
The richest, mightiest, and most mischievous laughing on set was all huge Robbie’s fault, wrote David Thewlis, another actor in the flicks, on Instagram. You will be sadly lost and will always be adored, dear man.
A homage to Robbie Coltrane was also posted on the Wizarding World’s official Twitter account. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the departure of the brilliant Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies with such warmth, compassion, and humour. He was a great performer, a friend to everyone, and he will be sorely missed, according to a tweet.
Robbie Coltrane and I first crossed paths approximately 40 years ago. I simultaneously experienced amazement, dread, and love. We developed our first TV show, “Alfresco,” with such depth, power, and talent that it made people burp and honk helplessly. Goodbye, elderly man. You will be sorely missed.
— Stephen Fry on October 14, 2022 (@stephenfry).
Author and performer Stephen Fry tweeted, “I first met Robbie Coltrane about 40 years ago. I simultaneously experienced amazement, dread, and love. We developed our first TV show, “Alfresco,” with such depth, power, and talent that it made people burp and honk helplessly. Goodbye, elderly man. You will be terribly missed.
Coltrane was last seen in “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts,” a reunion special that brought together many members of the cast and crew to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter film series. He played a significant role in the touching special. He speaks a few things near the end that become even more meaningful after his departure.
“My children’s generation will pass on the movies to their offspring as their legacy. So it’s quite possible that you will be watching it in 50 years. Sadly, I won’t be here. Hagrid, however, will.