Everyone’s favorite half-giant Robbie Coltrane, the beloved actor who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter series, died at 72 years old on Friday.
Coltrane’s career didn’t start in 2001 with the first Harry Potter film, but it was arguably his most iconic role. The Scottish actor raised an entire generation with his portrayal of the kind, animal-loving man. Following the news of his death, fans, friends, family, and co-stars took to social media to mourn the actor who brought the official keeper of the keys and grounds at Hogwarts to life.
In a statement, Daniel Radcliffe — who played the film franchise’s titular character Harry Potter — remembered Coltrane as a magical cast member.
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” Radcliffe’s statement reads, according to IndieWire. “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 Hermoine Granger in the franchise, wrote a heartfelt ode to Coltrane on her Instagram Story.
“His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance,” Watson wrote. “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.”
Similarly, Tom Felton, who played Harry Potter’s sassy, blonde-haired rival Draco Malfoy, wrote that Coltrane’s presence was one of the greatest joys on the set of the film.
“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,” Felton wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Bonnie Wright, who portrayed Ginny Weasley, tweeted: “Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid was my favorite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home & unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly. Thank you for the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family.”
Coltrane will be remembered as many things — a talented actor, fun coworker, and kind person — by friends, family, and costars. As he said in the documentary Return to Hogwarts: “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children. So you could be watching in 50 years’ time. I’ll not be here sadly, but Hagrid will.”
