Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane has died aged 72, his agent has confirmed to the BBC. Belinda Wright told the outlet: "He will probably be enchanting children and adults around the world as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films for decades to come. Come be happy and be remembered.”
Coltrane played gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. He recently looked back on the beloved character in the Harry Potter 20th anniversary special "Return to Hogwarts." "The legacy of these movies is that my children's generation will show them to their children," Coltrane said on the 2021 show. "So you can watch it 50 years from now, simple. Sadly, I Not here, but Hagrid does."
During his career, the Scottish actor also starred in the crime drama Cracker, for which he won several BAFTA TV awards.
After the news broke, the official Wizarding World social accounts paid tribute to Coltrane. The series reads: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid with such kindness, sincerity and humor in the Harry Potter films. "He was a wonderful actor and a friend to all, and he will be deeply missed."
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, paid tribute to Coltrane in a statement. "Robbie is one of the funniest people I've ever met, and as a kid he always had us laughing on set," Variety wrote . "I was so impressed with his performance on Prisoner of Azkaban . Keeping our morale up I have a particularly fond memory of when we were all sheltering from the pouring rain in Hagrid's hut and he was telling stories and jokes to keep our morale up. I was extremely lucky to meet him and work with him, but for him. I'm so saddened by his passing. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man."
Emma Watson also paid tribute to Coltrane in an Instagram Story, writing that "there was no better Hagrid than her late partner" and that he "made being Hermione a joy." . Watson began her statement, "Robbie was like the funniest uncle I ever had, but most importantly, he was deeply caring and compassionate, both as a child and as an adult. His The talent is so vast that it makes sense that he plays a giant - his talent can fill any space."
Watson added: "Robbie, if I could be as kind as you were to me on a movie set, I promise I would do it in your name and memory. Know how much I adore and admire you. I really would Missing your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughter and your hugs. You made us family."
Other members of the Harry Potter cast also took to social media to honor their late co-star, including Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy. The actor also remembers a nighttime shoot on the first film, during which "Robbie cared and took care of everyone around him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly." Felton added of Colter Lan "is a friendly giant on screen, but even more so in real life."
James Phelps, who plays Fred Weasley, recalled the advice Coltrane gave him in the early days of the Harry Potter era. "I will miss random chats about every subject under the sun," he tweeted. "I'll never forget my first day on the set in September 2000, when I was a very nervous 14-year-old and Robbie Coltrane came up to me and said, 'Enjoy it. You'll be great'. Thank you for that x."
His brother Oliver Phelps (who played George) remembers the equally sweet moment. "November 2001 - Leicester Square, London," he wrote. “‘Guys, soak it up like your first car is a Rolls-Royce’! Robbie Coleraine sat next to me on the red carpet at the first HP premiere. Years ago Come and let’s have some great chats about history and travel.”
The twins' on-screen brother, Chris Rankin, who plays Percy, described Coltrane as "a lovely man full of humour, kindness and incredible talent."
Bonnie Wright, who plays their sister Ginny, said she was "heartbroken" by the news. "Hagrid is my favorite character! Robbie did such a great job portraying Hagrid's warmth, feeling of home, and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures. Thank you for the laughs."
Warwick Davis, who plays Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter films, tweeted that his cast member was "happy" and added, "He walked him Brings warmth, light and laughter to any set.”
Matthew Lewis remembers Coltrane's nickname as "Bobser." The actor who played Neville Longbottom wrote: "He called me Spaceboy. We both loved The Last Frontier. He was never angry at all and always made you smile. A giant in so many ways."
Afshan Azad, best known for her role as Padma Patil in the franchise, simply wrote that the news was "very very sad" and "today's tribute to Hugs from all our Potter family.” Rohan Gotobed, who played Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, shared fond memories of the production. “The first time I saw Robbie Coltrane’s hair and makeup I was absolutely starstruck (Hagrid!!!) and saw him on set a few months later – he remembered my name and was happy to stop and chat ”
