Actor Robbie Coltrane, who played the role of Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies, died at age 72. British actor Daniel Radcliffe and JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, shared heartfelt tributes remembering the late Coltrane.
Radcliffe told Deadline, ‘Robbie was one of the funniest people I've met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set’. He added, ‘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.’
Harry Potter author JK Rowling took to Twitter and shared a beautiful picture with the late actor. The post read, ‘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.’ Coltrane and Radcliffe shared screen space in all eight 'Harry Potter' movies, right from the 'Sorcerer's Stone' in 2001 to 'Death Hallows - Part 2' in 2011.
Emma Watson, who featured as Hermione Granger in ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, took to Instagram and wrote, ‘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 further added that, ‘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.’
Bonnie Wright, who starred as Ginny Weasley in the ‘Harry Potter’ movie, wrote ‘Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid was my favorite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly. Thank you for the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family.’
Robbie Coltrane, whose real name was Anthony Robert McMillan, is survived by his two children. Apart from ‘Harry Potter’, he was also known for films like ‘Cracker’, ‘James Bond’, ‘The World Is Not Enough’ and ‘GoldenEye’.
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