Actor Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, passed away on October 14 at the age of 72. According to the reports from Deadline, Robbie died in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland. The award-winning actor had been suffering from ill health for the past two years.
Following his demise, the star cast of ‘Harry Potter’ is mourning the death of Robbie Coltrane.
As per the reports of The Hollywood Reporter, 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 used to keep us constantly laughing as kids on the set. 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 fortunate that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man. “
Emma Watson, who portrayed the role of Hermoine Granger in Potter, said in a statement shared on her Instagram story, “Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had, but most of all, he was deeply caring and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult. His talent was so immense that it made sense he played a giant — he could fill ANY space with his brilliance. Robbie, if I ever get to be so kind as you were to me on a film set, I promise I’ll do it in your name and memory. Know how much I adore and admire you. I’ll really miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs, and your hugs. You made us a family. Know you were that to us. There was no better Hagrid. You made it a joy to be Hermoine.”
Tom Felton, who portrayed the role of Draco Malfoy, also took 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 night shoot for the first film in the forbidden forest. I was 12. Robbie cared for and looked after everyone around of him. Effortlessly. and made them laugh. Effortlessly. He was a big, friendly giant on screen, but even more so in real life. Love you mate-thank you for everything xx.” James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the Potter films, said, “I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun. And I’ll never forget in September 2000, Robbie Coltrane came over to a very nervous 14-year old me on my first day on a movie set and said ‘Enjoy it, you’ll be great.’ Thank you for that.”
Meanwhile, James’ twin Oliver Phelps, who starred as George Weasley, took to Twitter to reflect on the London premiere of the first Potter film: “November 2001-Leicester Square, London. ‘Soak this in lads, it’s like a Rolls-Royce for your first car’! Robbie [Coltrane] was next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere. Over the years, we had some great chats about history and travel.”
Matthew Lewis, who portrayed the role of Neville Longbottom, described Coltrane as someone who “always made you smile.” He shared, “Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier. He didn’t give a fuck and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. “