Robbie Coltrane passed away at the age of 72. He was best known for portraying Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. A half-human half-giant, Hagrid was a kind, friendly and compassionate individual that clicked with audiences. People across the globe are mourning Robbie’s death.
The cast of ‘Harry Potter‘, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Bonnie Wright among others have paid tribute to the late actor. Let’s find out what these stars said about the Scottish actor and comedian.
Robbie Coltrane Passed Away At 72
Robbie Coltrane, the Scottish actor known for his role as Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ series, passed away at the age of 72 on Friday. His agent Belinda Wright called him a “unique talent,” who was “an abidingly loyal client.”
In a statement, Wright wrote: “As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent and brilliantly witty, and after 40 years of being proud to be to called his agent, I shall miss him.”
Coltrane was born Anthony Robert McMillan on March 30, 1950, in Glasgow, Scotland. After his attempts to become an artist failed, Coltrane took up stand-up comedy in Edinburgh clubs.
He changed his last name in honor of the jazz legend John Coltrane as he switched to acting in London. Coltrane also appeared in two ‘James Bond’ films, where he played Valentin Zukovsky in ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough.’
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Cast Of ‘Harry Potter’ Pay Tribute To Coltrane
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular role, issued a statement after the death of Coltrane.“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” he said.
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.”
Coltrane had appeared in HBO Max’s 20th-anniversary ‘Return to Hogwarts’ reunion special. “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children,” he had said in the special. “So you could be watching it in 50 years time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will, yes.”
Emma Watson 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. 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.” She continued, “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.”
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