It’s an end of an era for Harry Potter fans as heart-shattering news struck the world that actor Robbie Coltrane had died at the age of 72. The lofty actor was well-known for playing the half-giant wizard that served as the gamekeeper of Hogwarts and briefly as the Care of Magical Creatures teacher.
The Hagrid actor’s death was reported by trades like Variety, which confirmed the sad news through WME, the agency representing the late Coltrane. The franchise’s titular star Daniel Radcliffe also wrote a heartfelt tribute for the late star in a statement to the outlet — reminiscing over set memories when the Hagrid star helped fellow co-star by “keeping our spirits up on Prisoner of Azkaban,” Other Harry Potter actors Emma Watson and the source material author J.K. Rowling were among others that offered their condolences to Coltrane’s family.
Coltrane appeared as one of the very first Hogwarts characters introduced in 2001’s first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Hagrid appeared in all eight movies and fans grew quite fond of the character for his wholesome nature, especially in taking care of the magical creatures. Like in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The Harry Potter fandom has especially been struck the hardest by the unfortunate demise. The masses are responding by sharing their favorite Hagrid scenes. A clip from HBO Max’s 20th anniversary “Return to Hogwarts” reunion of Coltrane discussing the larger-than-life legacy of his character has struck a chord with many where he says, “I’ll not be here, sadly… but Hagrid will.” Readers can check it out below.
"It's not Hogwarts without you, Hagrid" pic.twitter.com/9Iv7nDX9lc
— เดลี่พรอเฟ็ต⚡️ (@dailyprophetTH) October 15, 2022
Although we shared the screen we never actually met. I wish we had. I'd have been honoured to shake his hand. RIP big brother, Hagrid.😢💕#RobbieColtrane pic.twitter.com/tl4xh8CZIP
— Tony Maudsley (@TonyMaudsley1) October 14, 2022
"The legacy of the movies is … that my children's generation will show them to their children. So you could be watching it in 50 years' time, easy. I'll not be here, sadly, but… Hagrid will, yes”
Thank you Robbie Coltrane 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oWB0AvTqHL
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) October 14, 2022
Goodbye, Robbie. You’ll be missed. #HappyPotter #RobbieColtrane #Hagrid pic.twitter.com/QBSZFgs5Ms
— Miriam Margolyes OBE (@MMargolyes) October 15, 2022
All at #CursedChild are saddened to hear of the passing of Robbie Coltrane, who we will always remember as playing the kind and loyal Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Thank you for bringing so much warmth and humour to our beloved Hagrid. https://t.co/cYrzFPIAL4
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) October 14, 2022
Thank you for bringing Hagrid to real life. Thank you for accompanying my childhood.#Hagrid #RobbieColtrane pic.twitter.com/sZHV0x3rKj
— ash || comission 📌 (@drawnbyash) October 15, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/CCofb6BMo6
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) October 14, 2022
Emma Watson pays tribute to Robbie Coltrane:
“There was no better Hagrid. You made it a joy to be Hermione.” pic.twitter.com/WR5BpCWRql
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 14, 2022
Thank you Robbie Coltrane for leaving us with Hagrid forever, you were a treasure.
RIP 🖤 pic.twitter.com/Lo1PbWnBpj— Ren Geekness @ LFF (@RenGeekness) October 14, 2022
RIP Hagrid 😢🙏🖤 pic.twitter.com/xqXhQ883pL
— UberFacts (@UberFacts) October 14, 2022
RIP Robbie Coltrane. You will be our Hagrid, Always. pic.twitter.com/KXutSegh7C
— RedVelvet 💚🤍💜 (@emmasiobhan22) October 14, 2022
“I'll not be here, sadly… but Hagrid will.” RIP Robbie Coletrane. And thank you.
A small wand tribute was held at Hogwarts Castle tonight at Islands of Adventure. #RobbieColtrane @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/XkRM82UlE3
— ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) October 14, 2022
another good one gone 💔 rest in peace, Hagrid pic.twitter.com/gQRijpG8du
— Chelsea (@chelscornish93) October 14, 2022
While Potter fans beloved him for playing Hagrid, some 007 aficionados would know him for his role in the classic GoldenEye movie for portraying the Russian mafia man Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky. After his Hagrid stint, Coltrane played a recurring role in the National Treasure, a channel drama. He was nominated for a British Academy Award for his appearance in the first Harry Potter film but won consecutively for three years between 1994-1996 for his role in the 1993’s Cracker series.
