The cast of Harry Potter mourn the death of Robbie Coltrane.
On Friday it was announced that Coltrane has died at the age of 72. “Not only was he a great actor, but also forensically intelligent and brilliantly witty, and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I will miss him. Coltrane’s agent Belinda Wright said in a statement about the actor.
Despite having several film and television titles, Coltrane’s most notable role was his portrayal of Rubeus Hagrid, the giant gardener at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in the Harry Potter movies, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001.
Earlier this year, the cast reunited for the HBO Max reunion special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts. Coltrane got emotional as he reminisced about his time filming the series. In the special, Coltrane said in tears that despite the franchise’s conclusion marking “an end of an era,” they will live on for generations to come. “The legacy of the movies is that my kids will show them to their kids so you can easily watch them in 50 years — I won’t be here, unfortunately, but Hagrid will,” he said.
Following the news of his death, Potter cast members took to social media to remember their late co-star.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling took to social media to remember Coltranewriting: “I will never again know anyone remotely like Robbie. He was an incredible talent, a completely unique talent, and I was lucky enough to know him, work with him and laugh with him. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, especially his children.”
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter alongside Coltrane’s Hagrid, said in a statement: “Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and made us laugh all the time like kids on set. I especially have fond memories of him. that keeps us going The Prisoner of Azkabanwhen we all hid for hours from the torrential rain in Hagrid’s cabin and he told stories and jokes to keep morale up. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to meet and work with him and I am very sad that he passed away. He was an incredible actor and a nice man.”
Emma Watson, who played Hermoine Granger in Potter said in a statement shared on her Instagram story“Robbie was the nicest uncle I’ve ever had, but most of all he was very caring and compassionate to me as a child and adult. His talent was so immense that it made sense for him to play a giant – he could fill ANY space with his genius. Robbie, if I can ever be so nice to me on a movie set, I promise I will do it in your name and memory. Know how much I love and admire you. I will really miss your kindness, your nicknames, your warmth, your smile and your hugs. You made us a family. Know that you were that for us. There was no better Hagrid. You made it a pleasure to be Hermoine.’
Tom Felton, who also played Draco Malfoy went to Instagram to pay tribute to Coltrane. In a caption alongside a photo of Coltrane, Radcliffe, Watson and himself, Felton said: “One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a nighttime shoot of the first movie in the Forbidden Forest. I was 12. Robbie cared and cared for me. for everyone around him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly. He was a big gentle giant on screen but even more so in real life. I love you buddy – thanks for everything xx.”
James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the Potter movies, said“I will miss the random chats on all subjects under the sun. And I’ll never forget that in September 2000, on my first day on a movie set, Robbie Coltrane came up to a very nervous 14-year-old me and said, ‘Enjoy it, you’ll be great.’ Thanks for that.”
Meanwhile, James’ twin brother Oliver Phelps, who starred as George Weasley, went to Twitter to dwell on the London premiere of the first Potter movie: “November 2001 – Leicester Square, London. ‘Dip this in guys, it’s like a Rolls-Royce for your first car’! Robbie [Coltrane] when he stood next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere. Over the years we had some great conversations about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x.”
Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, Coltrane described as someone who “always made you laugh.” He shared: “Robbie. bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love for the last frontier. He didn’t give a fuck and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. We sometimes had x.”
Heartbroken at the passing of Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid was my favorite character! Robbie has so brilliantly portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures.” Bonnie Wright, who portrayed Ginny Weasley, wrote on Instagram. “Robbie always treated me and my fellow cast members as equal professionals on a movie set. A kind of attitude that instilled trust and a sense of belonging. Thanks for all the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family. Rest in peace.”
“The richest, most powerful and most mischievous laughter on set was all Robbie’s fault,” wrote David Thewlis, who played Remus Lupine, on Instagram while sharing a photo of Coltrane. “You are loved forever, dear man, and will be sorely missed.”
Warwick Davis, who played Filius Flitwick, shared“I was saddened to learn that fellow #HarryPotter cast member, Robbie Coltrane, passed away today. Always jovial, he brought warmth, light and laughter to every set he walked on. RIP Robbie, beloved giant of comedy.x”
The Official Wizarding World Twhiter account also paid tribute to the late actor, sharing a photo of Coltrane in character as Hagrid on set: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humor in the Harry Potter Movies. He was a great actor, a friend to everyone and he will be sorely missed.”