Harry Potter Actor Robbie Coltrane Dies At The Age Of 72
His co-stars paid tribute and spoke of his penchant for humour.
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Actor Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise, died today at 72.
In a statement to the BBC, Coltrane’s agent, Belinda Wright, confirmed the actor died in a hospital near Falkirk in Scotland.
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.
Robbie Coltrane’s agent, Belinda Wright
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. pic.twitter.com/CCofb6BMo6
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) October 14, 2022
Born Anthony Robert McMilan, Coltrane is an accomplished actor and his other known roles include stage works such as John Byrne’s The Slab Boys. He also played the character Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in the James Bond films.
According to BBC, he was made an OBE in the 2006 New Year’s honours list for his services to drama and was awarded the Bafta Scotland Award for outstanding contribution to film in 2011.
Despite the numerous roles he has played, his role as Hagrid is the most recognizable worldwide and he has spoken fondly about the opportunity of a lifetime.
He has spoken of his legacy in the 2022 HBO Max special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, saying, “The legacy of these movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children. So, you could be watching them in 50 years, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will.”
Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhon Gemmell.
His co-stars share their fond memories of him
Most of his co-stars attested that Coltrane was the funniest person they’d met and remembered his humour fondly.
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe shared how Coltrane cracked jokes to keep everyone’s spirits up while filming.
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.
Daniel Radcliffe
Another Harry Potter star Emma Watson recalled his kindness to her on set and said there was no better Hagrid.
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. I’ll really miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs and your hugs.
Emma Watson
Tom Felton, who also starred in the Harry Potter franchise, said Coltrane cared for everybody on set.
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. pic.twitter.com/eQA5v1YCm8
— Tom Felton (@TomFelton) October 14, 2022
Another actor Stephen Fry, who appeared alongside Coltrane in Alfresco, remembered Coltrane’s talent and penchant for humour.
I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago. I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) October 14, 2022
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