Robbie Coltrane dies at Age 72, Colleagues Pay Tribute to Actor

…

Robbie Coltrane, who brought many characters to life including that of Rubeus Hagrid, dies at 72. Colleagues and fans expressed sadness and remembered the actor.

Coltrane and his career in the entertainment industry began even before he took on Harry Potter’s Rubeus Hagrid role. While many people associate Coltrane with different personas, owing to the multitude of films he appears in, the recent generation seems to remember him in his role as Hagrid.

As Hagrid, Coltrane took care of the young Harry Potter and helped him in perilous situations. The larger-than-life character made his first appearance within the first minutes of the movie series, bringing the infant Harry to his muggle relatives. He accompanied Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and professor McGonagall. Subsequently, Hagrid was the one who took Harry back into the wizarding world when he was of age.

When the news of his death broke out, fans took to social media to remember Coltrane. They gave tribute to the one and only ‘keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts.’ Who could ever forget the half-giant when he said, “Yer a wizard, Harry.” For many, that marked the start of Harry’s journey to the wizarding world.

Read Also: Netflix Adds More Subscribers and its Shares Increased

A tribute to Coltrane from his wizard friends

Emma Watson, who took on the role of Hermoine Granger, posted in her social media account. She worked with Coltrane for many years, both having reached the last movie of the series. Watson told of Coltrane’s compassion and the influence he made on his colleagues while on set.

“His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance,” Watson said.

“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. Know how much I adore and admire you. I’ll miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs and your hugs. You made us a family. Know you were that to us. There was no better Hagrid. You made it a joy to be Hermione.”

Meanwhile, Tom Felton, who brought life to Draco Malfoy, compared the characteristic of Hagrid and Coltrane. According to Felton, like Hagrid, the star cared for others more than himself.

“One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest. I was 12. Robbie cared & looked after everyone around him. Effortlessly,” Felton wrote.

“And made them laugh. Effortlessly. He was a big friendly giant on screen but even more so In real life. Love you mate – thank you for everything xx.”

Read Also: Netflix Gets Nielsen on Board for Launch of Ad-Inclusive Plans

‘I’ll not be here, but Hagrid will’

Naturally, fans got sad because of the news. But like every other star who passed, fans expressed their sentiments and high regards to Coltrane and the characters he played.

“Hagrid represented the concept of unconditional love. A true friend. Thank you, Robbie, for bringing this character to life,” said a fan.

“Another good one is gone. Rest in peace, Hagrid,” said another fan in a tweet with a photo showing Hagrid and Harry in a conversation.

When Coltrane appeared for HBO’s Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, he spoke of Hagrid as someone who can outlive him.

“The legacy of the movies is, I suspect, 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.”