The Hagrid actor passed away in Scotland
Sad news for wizarding fans: Robbie Coltrane has died at the age of 72. The actor, who starred in several Bond films, is best known for this role as Rubeus Hagrid, the lovable character from the Harry Potter franchise.
Deadline reports that Coltrane “died at a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland. The award-winning actor had been in ill health for the past two years.” The actor brought J.K. Rowling’s half human/half-giant character to life with his portrayal, that started with his special relationship to Harry himself. Since then, we’ve loved the Hogwarts Head Gamekeeper fiercely.
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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
And Coltrane loved the franchise in return. In HBO Max’s Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, the actor reminiscent about his time on the eight-film collection.
“I just think it’s an end of an era. It’s 10 years of my life, my children have grown up during it,” he said. “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.” And now it’s time for us to deal with the fact that the only time we will see the beloved actor again is on film.
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Deadline reports that Coltrane was always the choice for playing Hagrid, at least for Rowling. “When asked whom she would like to see in the role, responded ‘Robbie Coltrane for Hagrid’ in one quick breath.
Since new news, the author shared her own heartfelt sentiments on Twitter. “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was an incredible talent, a complete one off, and I 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.”
We’ll miss you forever Robbie, but we are so glad Hagrid will always live on.
