Robbie Coltrane was well known as Rubeus Hagrid. Image Source: NBC News
Robbie Coltrane passes away at the age of 72.
Robbie Coltrane, who had recently become ill and was not keeping well, passed away in a hospital near Falkirk, Scotland. His management company, WME, has confirmed the information. The world mourns the loss of one of the legendary and beloved actor.
Robbie is best known as a fixture on British television. Flash Gordon, Blackadder, and Keep It in the Family are among his credits, as are A Kick Up the Eighties, The Comic Strip, and Alfresco. Throughout his career, he has received numerous British Academy Television Awards and BAFTA Awards. Queen Elizabeth also bestowed an OBE on him in 2006.
One of the first actors to appear on-screen in the Harry Potter franchise was Robbie Coltrane's famous and beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. "Yer a wizard, Harry," he said to a young Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the film and was looking forward to his adventure into the wizarding world. Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane who was a renowned comedian, and writer, is also known for his character portrayal as Russian mafia figure Valentin Domitrovich Zukovsky in two James Bond films. Robbie appeared in Golden Eye which released in 1995 and The World Is Not Enough which released in 1999 and he was highly appreciated for his work.
His longtime agent, Belinda Wright, reminisced about their collaboration. She told Variety in an email that Robbie Coltrane will be acknowledged for centuries as Hagrid in the "Harry Potter" films, a role that brought joy to both children and adults all over the world, spurring a flood of fan letters every week for over 20 years. The statement continued that Robbie Coltrane was not only a talented actor, but forensically smart and magnificently witty person and added that she will miss him after 40 years of just being proud to be known as his agent.
After learning of Robbie's death, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, tweeted that the actor had such a range and depth as an actor, from comedy genius to hard-edged drama. The tweet continued, with Nicola saying that Robbie's character of Fitz in Cracker was her favorite of all his roles and that Scottish entertainment legend Robbie Coltrane will be greatly missed. RIP.
Stephen Fry also expressed his displeasure, writing that when he and Robbie Coltrane initially met nearly 40 years ago, he was astonished, fearful, and in love all at the same time with the late actor. Stephen added that the late actor possessed such intensity, strength, and expertise that he caused helpless hiccups and honking while filming our first TV show, "Alfresco." Stephen concluded, "Goodbye, old friend." Robbie, according to Stephen, will be greatly missed.
His children, Alice and Spencer, his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell, with whom he divorced in 2003, and his sister Annie Rae survive him. In a statement, the family expressed gratitude to the hospital staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their kindness and diplomacy.
The actor's final appearance with his Harry Potter family was in the 20th anniversary special "Return to Hogwarts," which aired on HBO Max in January 2022. His reflections on the series' power also served as an emotional farewell to fans. During the recent 20th anniversary special for Harry Potter, Robbie reflected on his time as the iconic character and expressed gratitude for leaving a legacy that will be loved by future generations. He said that these films will be shown to future generations by his children adding that one could easily be watching them in 50 years. He stated that he is afraid that he won't be there but Hagrid will always be here.
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, praised an incredible talent; Robbie Coltrane. She wrote that she would probably never know anyone remotely the same as Robbie again, that he was a complete one-of-a-kind, and that she was remarkably lucky to know him, work with him, and chuckle her head off with him. It was known that when J.K. Rowling was asked who she wants to play Hagrid in the movie, without a doubt she said Robbie Coltrane.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular wizard in the films, paid tribute to Robbie Coltrane by sharing fond memories from their time on set together. He characterized Robbie as one of the nicest people he'd ever met, recalling how the late actor used to make everyone laugh all the time when they were kids on set, and how he would always try to lift everyone's spirits. Daniel recalled how the late actor kept the spirits up of the cast while they were filming Prisoner Of Azkaban and had taken shelter in Hagrid's hut because of the torrential rain that had been pouring down for hours. Daniel said that Robbie was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up which is something they all admired. The actor expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet and work with him, as well as his sadness that he has passed away. He was a fantastic actor and a lovely human being.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, expressed her sadness on social media, writing that Robbie was the most fun uncle she had ever had, but most importantly, he was deeply compassionate and caring towards her as a child and an adult. Emma concluded that Robbie's talent was so vast that it made sense for him to play a giant who could fill any space with his brilliance.
We extend our condolences to Robbie Coltrane's family and friends.
