I don’t think there will ever be another person in my life who I’ll want to tell me that I’m a wizard other than Robbie Coltrane’s Hagrid.
A character whose heart was as big as his size, Hagrid is one who instantly became a fan-favorite by those who grew up with the “Harry Potter” franchise and those who continue to discover it, not only because of his kindness and loyalty but also because of how significant his role is for bringing Harry to Hogwarts which he would eventually save from the terror of Voldemort.
Such is the legacy of Robbie, and he will always be remembered for it.
Robbie passed away at the age of 72 on Friday at a hospital in his hometown in Scotland. His agent did not give details away surrounding his death out of respect for his family.
“For me personally I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client. As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I shall miss him,” his agent’s statement read. “He is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell. They would like to thank the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and diplomacy. Please respect Robbie’s family’s privacy at this distressing time.”
Following the news, many of Robbie’s co-stars honored his memory with their published statements.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the film franchise, called Robbie one of the “funniest” people he’s ever met.
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” he said. 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 an incredible actor and a lovely man.”
Meanwhile, Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, shared in her Instagram stories: “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.”
She added, “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,” she continued. “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 Hermione.”
“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 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said “Enjoy it, you’ll be great”. Thank you for that x,” Fred Weasley actor James Phelps wrote on Twitter.
“November 2001 – Leicester Square, London. “Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car”! Robbie Coleraine when he 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. Rest in peace Robbie x,” wrote Oliver Phelps, who played Fred’s twin George.
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 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said “Enjoy it, you’ll be great”. Thank you for that x
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) October 14, 2022
November 2001 – Leicester Square, London. “Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car”! Robbie Coleraine when he 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. Rest in peace Robbie x
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) October 14, 2022
Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, said, “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. We had some times x.”
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. We had some times x
— ??Matthew Lewis?? (@Mattdavelewis) October 14, 2022
On Instagram, Ginny Weasley actress Bonnie Wright penned her own heartfelt letter, calling Hagrid her “favorite character.”
“Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid was my favourite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly. Robbie always treated me and my fellow cast mates when we were wee kids like equal professionals on a film set. A type of attitude that instilled confidence and a sense of togetherness. Thanks for all the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family. Rest In Peace,” she said.
David Thewlis likewise posted on his own Instagram account to pay tribute to Robbie. “The richest, mightiest and most mischievous laughter on set was all big Robbie’s fault. You are forever loved, dear man, and will be sorely missed.”
Meanwhile, JK Rowling, the author of the “Harry Potter” books, sent her condolences to Robbie’s family on her Twitter account.
“I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was an incredible talent, a complete one off, and I was beyond fortunate to know him, work with him and laugh my head off with him. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children,” she stated.
I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was an incredible talent, a complete one off, and I was beyond fortunate to know him, work with him and laugh my head off with him. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children. pic.twitter.com/tzpln8hD9z
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 14, 2022
May he rest in peace.
(ALSO READ: LOOK: “Harry Potter” Book Series Gets New Covers)
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