Hagrid Actor Robbie Coltrane Remembered by J.K. Rowling, ‘Harry Potter’ Cast: ‘Such Depth, Power and Talent’

Harper Lambert
·6 min read
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Tributes are pouring in for Robbie Coltrane, the Scottish performer beloved for his roles in film franchises such as “Harry Potter” and “James Bond” and the TV series “Cracker.” It was announced Friday morning that the actor, writer and comedian passed away at age 72.

“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” shared Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, Coltrane’s frequent scene partner as Rubeus Hagrid in all eight “Potter” films. “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.”

His statement continued, “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.”

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J.K. Rowling remembered Coltrane as “an incredible talent, a complete one off.”

“I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again,” she wrote on Twitter, adding that she 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.”

Neville Longbottom actor Matthew Lewis was among the “Potter” alum who had fond memories of working with Coltrane.

“Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy,” he remembered. “We shared a love of the final frontier. He didn’t give a fuck and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times x.”

James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the films, gave a heartfelt tribute on Twitter as well.

“I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun,” Phelps recalled. “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.”

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His twin brother Oliver, who also played his twin brother George, shared a similar memory from November 2001 in London’s Leicester Square.

“‘Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car”! Robbie Coleraine [sic] when he was next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere,” Phelps recollected. “Over the years we had some great chats about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x.”

Their onscreen sister, Ginny actress Bonnie Wright said that Hagrid was her favorite character in the series. “Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home & unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly. Thanks for all the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family.”

Stephen Fry’s first encounter with Coltrane was equally memorable. The actor, who narrated the U.K. version of “Harry Potter” audiobooks and worked with Coltrane on various other projects wrote: “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.”

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Added Hugh Laurie, Coltrane and Fry’s co-star in “Alfresco”: “I hope it’s OK to spout memories: I used to ride with Robbie Coltrane between Manchester and London in his sort-of-restored MGA. I’d roll him cigarettes while he discoursed on the ways of the world, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or learned so much in my life.”

Writer and radio presenter Rev. Richard Coles tweeted that he was “Very sorry to hear Robbie Coltrane has died.”

“We shared a dressing room once and he had the biggest pants I have ever seen, which he wore with tremendous flair,” he recalled. “We were friends from then on.”

Robert Lindsay, who starred alongside Coltrane in Carl Reiner’s 1989 film “Bert Rigby, You’re a Fool” was in “shock” from the news of his “dear pal”s passing.

“We shared a Hollywood journey that will live with me forever,” he wrote. “Another great star to light the heavens.”

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