Actor Robbie Coltrane died Friday at the age of 72. Fans and cast of the Harry Potter series shared memories of Coltrane’s portrayal of the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid.
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
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Actor Robbie Coltrane died Friday at the age of 72. Fans and cast of the Harry Potter series shared memories of Coltrane’s portrayal of the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid.
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
Robbie Coltrane’s career started long before the first Harry Potter the movie premiered in 2001, but for the generation who grew up on the movies and the books, it’s hard to separate the Scottish actor from his larger-than-life portrayal (at least to Muggles) of Rubeus Hagrid, the official guardian of the keys and grounds at Hogwarts.
Following the news of his death on Friday, fans of the show and fellow Coltrane cast members took to social media to remember the man who brought the lovable half-giant character to life with iconic lines such as “You’re a wizard, Harry “.
RIP to the remarkable Robbie Coltrane, whose BAFTA-nominated portrayal of Hagrid in the Harry Potter films is one of beauty, humor and humanity pic.twitter.com/1gWFx0zc4u
— Brian Rowe 🏳️🌈🍿🎃 (@mrbrianrowe) October 14, 2022
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, remembered Coltrane for his compassion and the impact he had on her during filming.
“His talent was so immense that it only made sense for him to play a giant – he could fill ANY space with his genius,” Watson wrote. “Robbie, if I ever manage to be as nice as you were to me on a film set, I promise I will do it in your name and in your memory. Know how much I adore you and you. I will truly miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughter and your hugs. You made us a family. Know that you were that to us. There was no better Hagrid. You did a joy to be Hermione.
Tom Felton, whose character Draco Malfoy was often Harry Potter’s rival, explained how Coltrane and Hagrid were more alike in the way they cared about each other.
“One of my most beautiful memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest. I was 12 years old. Robbie took care of everyone around him. Effortlessly,” Felton wrote on Instagram. “And made them laugh. Effortlessly. He was a big likable giant on screen but even more so in real life. Love you mate – thanks for everything xx.”
Coltrane’s Hagrid often brought smiles to audiences as he got into comical situations with magical creatures. But his caring and nurturing attitude often made him amiable.
“Hagrid represented the concept of unconditional love. A true friend. Thank you Robbie for bringing this character to life.” said a fan on Twitter.
Reflecting on the movies for the HBO special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to HogwartsColtrane spoke about his beloved character who survived him.
“The legacy of the movies is, I guess, my kids’ generation will show them to their kids. So you could watch it 50 years from now, easy,” Coltrane said. “I won’t be there, unfortunately, but…Hagrid will be, yes.”
As Harry Potter said, “There is no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid” – and there would be no Hagrid without Coltrane.
another good party 💔 rest in peace Hagrid pic.twitter.com/gQRijpG8du
—Chelsea (@chelscornish93) October 14, 2022