Robbie Coltrane, best known for his roles in the Harry Potter franchise, James Bond, and Cracker, died at age 72 in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland. His agency WME confirmed that the award-winning actor had been in ill health for the past two years.
Daniel Radcliffe paid tribute to his Harry Potter co-star today. As one of the closest members in the cast, these two have played their respective roles since day 1, it is quite unfortunate to find out a dear friend’s passing this way. Obtained by Deadline, Daniel said:
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly 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 the 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, the author of Harry Potter expressed her condolences by writing on her Twitter:
“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.”
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the franchise, shared her message 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 a Hermione."
Rupert Grint, who played Ronald Weasley in the series, also posted his message on Instagram:
"Heartbroken to hear that Robbie is gone. I'll never forget the smell of cigars and beard glue- a wonderful combination. No one else on this planet could of played Hagrid, only Robbie. Just as Hagrid was in the books and films Robbie was in life- warm, compassionate and hilarious. A giant hearted man who was still looking out for us even decades later. Sending love to his family. See you on the other side Bobser.
Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, paid his tribute on his Instagram alongside a photo of Coltrane, Radcliffe, Watson, and himself.
"One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest. I was 12. Robbie cared & 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 one of the twins, Fred Weasley, posted his message on Twitter:
"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 1st ever day on a movie set and said, 'Enjoy it, you'll be great.' Thank you for that."
And of course, James' twin Oliver Phelps, who played the other twin George Weasley, took his tribute on his Twitter, as well:
"November 2001 -- Leicester Square, London. 'Soak this in, lads. It's like a Rolls-Royce for your first car!' Robbie [Coltrane] 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."
Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, shared Robbie called him Space Boy for they both loved the final frontier.
"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."
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, took her tribute to Instagram:
"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."
David Thewlis, who played Remus Lupin, shared a photo of Coltrane on his Instagram:
"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."
Warwick Davis, who portrayed Filius Flitwick, posted on Twitter:
"I was saddened to learn that fellow #HarryPotter cast member, Robbie Coltrane died today. Always jovial, he brought warmth, light and laughter to any set he walked on to. RIP Robbie, Beloved Giant of Comedy. X."
The official Wizarding World account on Twitter also paid tribute by sharing a photo of Coltrane as Hagrid working on set:
"We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films. He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed."
Coltrane appeared on HBO’s Return to Hogwarts 20th anniversary special in January 2022, leaving a heartfelt message on his segment, “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children, so you could be watching it in 50-years time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will, yes.”
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