Wands Up for Robbie Coltrane Who Played Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane, the man who played Hagrid in Harry Potter and who served as a loving uncle figure to Harry, passed away.
We raise our wands to the man who brought to life Hagrid, Robbie Coltrane, who died at 72 years old in a hospital near his home on October 14, 2022. Many Potterhead millennials and parents longed for the day when Hagrid would one day pop into their homes and say, “Yer a wizard/witch, (insert name here)!” He fueled the dreams and imaginations of every child and parent who longed to visit Diagon Alley and begin their journey of learning magic.
A Loving Uncle to Potterheads, A Friend To Many
Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid joins the many animated portraits on Hogwarts’ walls. Additionally, his co-actor Stephen Fry from their movie together Alfresco, shared how the laughter he spread was so infectious that it caused “helpless hiccups and honking”:
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
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) October 14, 2022
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular character in Harry Potter, paid him tribute in a statement:
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on that 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.”
Daniel Radcliffe, on Robbie Coltrane’s death and passing, 2022
Emma Watson, who played the brainy Hermione Granger, shared a shot of them fondly talking on set. She mentioned how he made it “a joy to be Hermione.”
Bonny Wright, who played the prodigious Ginny Weasley, tweeted how Hagrid was her favorite character.
Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid was my favourite character! 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 pic.twitter.com/Gbl3NCsrlA
— Bonnie Wright (@thisisbwright) October 14, 2022
Lastly, Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, dedicated an Instagram post as well.
During the 20th anniversary, Robbie Coltrane shared comforting words about his role as Hagrid. “I’ll not be here sadly, but Hagrid will.”
Wands up to Robbie Coltrane!
A dad himself survived by his two kids, Spencer and Alice McMillan, he became a wizard uncle to the many Potterheads who found the simple joys in waiting for their acceptance letter to Hogwarts. As he joins Professor Snape (the late Allan Rickman) and the first Professor Dumbledore (the late Richard Harris) as a portrait on the walls of Hogwarts, we all raise our wands in his loving memory.
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