A towering figure, but a softie at heart, Scottish actor, comedian, and writer Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter series, has no more with us at 72. Yet the cause of his death is not confirmed. According to the authentic source, we would know he was hospitalized.
In the 90s, he gained fame for appearing as a crime-solving psychologist on the popular TV series Cracker. For this, he continuously got a BAFTA award for three years as the best actor.
Then, he found worldwide gratitude as Hagrid in the film adaptation of JK Rowling’s beloved and bestselling Harry Potter series. He played the role of a gentle half-giant who acts as a mentor and friend to the boy wizard in all eight Harry Potter films released between 2001 and 2011. Additional roles in the 1995s he played include a Russian crime boss in the James Bond thrillers GoldenEye and The World is Not Enough in the 1990s.
Hagrid always had a sugary space for ferocious beasts. He cared for some of the ‘Harry Potter world’s most ferocious and iconic creatures. Under his care were Buckbeak the hippogriff, Fluffy the three-headed dog, Fang the boarhound, Aragog the massive talking spider, Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback dragon, and the eerily majestic Thestrals.
In the latest years, he earned critical praise for his performance as a beloved TV star who may harbor a dark secret in the 2016 miniseries National Treasure. He was last seen in Harry Potter’s 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts event.
See the condolence messages for Robbie Coltrane
The veteran actor’s agent, Belinda Wright, named Coltrane a “unique talent” she’ll remember as “an abidingly loyal client,” shared in a statement.”As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent and brilliantly witty, and after 40 years of being proud to be too called his agent, I shall miss him.” She added that Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell and his children Spencer and Alice, and their mother, Rhona Gemmell. They would like to thank the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and diplomacy. Please respect Robbie’s family’s privacy at this distressing time.”
In a heart-warming tribute to Robbie Coltrane, Daniel Radcliffe said: “Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us constantly laughing as kids on the set. 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.
“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.”
Emma Watson
‘There was no better Hagrid.’
“Rest In Peace, Robbie Coltrane. 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 it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance. 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. There was no better Hagrid. You made it a joy to be Hermione.”
Tom Felton
“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. He was a big friendly giant on screen but even more so In real life. Love you mate – thank you for everything xx”
J.K. Rowling separately honored Robbie Coltrane
“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.”
Stephen Fry
“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”.