Harry Potter fans were dealt a major shock this morning when it was announced that Robbie Coltrane had died at the age of 72. While the actor had numerous credits to his name, he became beloved by millions thanks to his role as Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise. Tributes to Robbie Coltrane have come pouring in since the announcement of his death, including from those he worked with on the Harry Potter movies.
In a statement, Daniel Radcliffe said, “Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly 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 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 shared a tribute to Robbie Coltrane on her Instagram Stories. “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,” Watson wrote. “His talent was so immense that 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.“
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, wrote on Twitter that she was “Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid was my favorite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly. Thank you for the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family.” Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling also took to Twitter to express her sadness at Coltrane’s passing. “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again,” Rowling wrote. “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.” You will be missed, Mr. Coltrane.