Robbie Coltrane: Harry Potter actor dies aged 72

[MenInG]

Actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films and for starring in ITV detective drama Cracker, has died at 72.

"Robbie will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid... a role which brought joy to children and adults alike, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years," his agent said.

 

[Mamoon]

One of the well-cast roles ever. He was exactly how everyone imagined Hagrid to be like.

 

[James]

Very sad.

One of the great Scottish character actors of the modern era, with so many good varied roles in British television and film productions.

A gentle giant who will be missed.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Sad , brilliant actor.

Harry Potter films are lame imo.

But his role in Cracker was genius, intense, amazing show too.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

One of the well-cast roles ever. He was exactly how everyone imagined Hagrid to be like.

Well said.

His casting was perfect - along with Snape and Mcgonagal.

As a reader of the books it took a bit of time to get used to some of the actors, but Robbie Coltrane was Hagrid from the moment he appeared on the screen.

 

[Kroll]

Sad , brilliant actor.

Harry Potter films are lame imo.

But his role in Cracker was genius, intense, amazing show too.

Brilliant show and he was fantastic in it. That's the role I remember the best.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Never really got the fascination with Harry Potter, but that's because I didn't grow up with those books or films, they obviously made a massive impression on the kids at the time.

Shame about Coltrane, he was quite a larger than life character, literally as well as metaphorically.

 

[Robert]

Loved him in The Comic Strip and Cracker.

Ni idea about the Potter stuff as I found the first unwatchably silly and never tried the others.

 

[Bewal Express]

RIP Robbie Coltrane. Your role as Dr Johnson in Blackadder will remain one of the great performances in a comedy

 

[shaz619]

RIP to this absolute legend

 

[Zaz]

Sad news this Robbie was a top actor and appeared in many memorable british dramas over the year Crscker being among the best

 

[MenInG]

Robbie Coltrane's daughter has shared a touching picture of the pair together, following his death aged 72.

Alice McMillan posted the photo of her hugging her father on Instagram on Saturday, accompanied by a black heart emoji.

Coltrane is survived by Alice and her brother Spencer, their mother Rhonda Gemmell and his sister Annie Rae.

The actor and comedian's agent of 40 years announced his death on Friday.

She did not give details of how he died, but Coltrane's family thanked staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Scotland, for their care.

Coltrane, best known for playing Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, also played criminal psychologist Dr Eddie 'Fitz' Fitzgerald in the 1990s crime drama Cracker.

It won him the best actor prize at the British Academy Television Awards three years running, before he was made an OBE in 2006.

News of his death sparked tributes from several of his Harry Potter co-stars.

Author of the books JK Rowling said: "I'll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was an incredible talent, a complete one off."

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the films, shared an image of the pair of them, describing him as "like the most fun uncle I've ever had".

"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 wrote.

"There was no better Hagrid. You made it a joy to be Hermione."

Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as Harry Potter, 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."

While James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley, said he will miss the "random chats about all subjects under the sun".

Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, described Coltrane as a "big friendly giant", and recalled shooting a scene with him during Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.

"One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest," Felton tweeted.

"I was 12. Robbie cared & looked after everyone around of him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly. Love you mate - thank you for everything xx."

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, described Coltrane as "a giant, in more ways than one" and said they "shared a love of the final frontier".

Bonnie Wright, who featured as Ginny Weasley, said she was "heartbroken" and thanked Coltrane for "all the laughter".

'Such a sweet man - such depth, power and talent'

Sir Lenny Henry, who voiced Dre Head in Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, tweeted: "This is awful news. Rob was the real thing. Condolences to his family. Big love big fella xxx"

Stephen Fry, who voiced the Harry Potter audio books, said Coltrane would be "dreadfully missed".

He said he met Coltrane almost 40 years ago, adding: "Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, Alfresco."

Hugh Laurie, who also acted alongside Coltrane in Alfresco, and the period sitcom Blackadder, recalled fond memories of his time with the actor.

Fellow Blackadder star Tony Robinson described him as "such a sweet man" and "so talented as a comic and as a straight actor".

He added in a post to Twitter: "'Dictionary' was my favourite episode of the Adder ever and it was all down to you mate. Rest well x"

Actor Robert Lindsay, who starred alongside Coltrane in the 1989 film Bert Rigby, You're a Fool paid tribute to his "dear pal", adding: "We shared a Hollywood journey that will live with me forever."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called Coltrane a "Scottish entertainment legend" and said he will be "hugely missed".

SKY

 

[James]

RIP Robbie Coltrane. Your role as Dr Johnson in Blackadder will remain one of the great performances in a comedy

This was a legendary role, and I also like his cameo appearances as the Ghosts of Past/Present/Future in Blackadder’s Christmas Carol. He was just good in everything that he was in.

 

[James]

For one of Robbie’s darkest and more complex dramatic roles later in his life, the four part drama “National Treasure” is worth a watch.

 

[James]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films. He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed. <a href="https://t.co/CCofb6BMo6">pic.twitter.com/CCofb6BMo6</a></p>— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/wizardingworld/status/1580972477072568320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>