- "Harry Potter" actor Robbie Coltrane has died at 72 near his home in Larbert, Scotland.
- Coltrane was best known for the role of Hagrid in the eight "Harry Potter" films.
"Harry Potter" star Robbie Coltrane died at the age of 72.
According to Deadline, Coltrane died in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland.
Best known for his role in the "Harry Potter" franchise as Hagrid in all eight films, Coltrane's costars and the series' author J.K. Rowling started sharing condolences and their memories of the beloved actor.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular role, remembered Coltrane's humor on set
"Robbie was one of the funniest people I've met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set," a statement from Radcliffe, obtained by Variety, read. "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."
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, referred to Coltrane as a 'fun uncle' whose kindness she hopes to pay forward
"Rest in Peace, Robbie Coltrane," Watson wrote on Instagram.
In a lengthy Instagram story, accompanied by a photo of the pair, Watson shared how much the actor's kindness on set of the "Harry Potter" franchise has stayed with her long after working together.
"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," Watson shared.
—Elizabeth Haigh (she/her) (@ElizabethHaighx) October 14, 2022
The actor added: "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."
Bonnie Wright said Coltrane always treated the kid actors on set like 'equal professionals'
"Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane," Wright wrote on Instagram along with a photo of Coltrane as Hagrid. Wright played Ginny Weasley in the movies.
"Hagrid was my favourite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid's warmth, sense of home and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly," Wright added. "Robbie always treated me and my fellow cast mates when we were wee kids like equal professionals on a film set. A type of attitude that instilled confidence and a sense of togetherness. Thanks for all the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family. Rest In Peace."
Matthew Lewis, who played Neville, said Coltrane always had a way of making you smile
"Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier. He didn't give a fuck and it always made you smile," Lewis wrote on Twitter. "A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times x"
David Thewlis, who played Professor Lupin, also recalled the way Coltrane effortlessly made the cast laugh
"The richest, mightiest and most mischievous laughter on set was all big Robbie's fault. You are forever loved, dear man, and will be sorely missed," Thewlis wrote on Instagram along with a photo of Coltrane.
Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton recalled a time that Coltrane looked out for everyone on set during a late shoot
"One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest," Felton shared on Instagram. "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."
Oliver Phelps, who played twin George Weasley, recalled some wisdom Coltrane imparted at the first "Harry Potter" premiere
"November 2001 - Leicester Square, London. 'Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car'! Robbie Coleraine when he was next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere," Phelps recalled on Twitter. "Over the years we had some great chats about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x"
—Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) October 14, 2022
His twin, James Phelps, who played his brother Fred, shared the helpful advice Coltrane gave him on his first day.
"I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun," Phelps wrote on Twitter. "And I'll never forget in September 2000, Robbie Coltrane came over to a very nervous 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said "Enjoy it, you'll be great". Thank you for that x."
Author J.K. Rowling shared a sweet photo with Coltrane
"I'll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again," Rowling tweeted. "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."
—J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 14, 2022