The world is mourning the loss of one of acting’s great faces, Robbie Coltrane. He captivated us as sensitive half-giant Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” films. And had us rolling with laughter in comedies like “Blackadder.” He’s remembered with nothing but fondness by his peers and coworkers. The Hogwarts cast and others have taken to social media to share memories of the jolly, captivating actor, who passed away October 14th, 2022.
Emma Watson took to Instagram to sing the late actor’s praises. In a posted story, she said Coltrane was like the “most fun uncle” she’d ever had.
Watson isn’t the only one whose life was transformed by Coltrane’s big-hearted presence. Danielle Radcliffe, star of the “Harry Potter” franchise, released an official statement about this larger than life presence in his life.
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” Radcliffe said. “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.”
“No one else on this planet could of played Hagrid, only Robbie,” Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, said on Instagram. “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.”
Fellow co-star Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy across the 8-film series, shared a fond memory of Coltrane via Twitter.
Born Anthony Robert McMillan, Robbie took his stage name in honor of jazz legend, James Coltrane. What followed was an illustrious and impressive career through stage plays, dramas, comedies, and films. And he seemed to make nothing but friends along the way. Mr. Coltrane, we love you and we will miss you forever.
