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Robbie Coltrane's daughter leads emotional tributes to late Harry Potter actor
17 October 2022, 11:22
Daniel Radcliffe kicks off celebs reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Fans and family pay tribute to the star of The Comic Strip, Blackadder, Cracker, Harry Potter and more.
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Tributes have been pouring in over the past few days for Robbie Coltrane, who died on Friday at the age of 72.
Coltrane was known by different audiences around the world for so many roles, especially kindly giant Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies and criminal psychologist Dr. Eddie 'Fitz' Fitzgerald in TV's Cracker.
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“Robbie was a unique talent, sharing the Guinness Book of Records Award for winning three consecutive Best Actor Baftas for his portrayal of Fitz in Granada TV’s series Cracker in 1994, 1995, and 1996 with Sir Michael Gambon," said Belinda Wright, his agent of 40 years.
"He will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films
"A role which brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years."
She added: "James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.
"For me personally, I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client as well as being a wonderful actor.
"He was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be to called his Agent, I shall miss him."
Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe said: "Robbie was one of the funniest people I've met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the 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."
Tom Felton, who played Potter's school rival Draco Malfoy, added: "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 of him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly."
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. pic.twitter.com/tzpln8hD9z
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 14, 2022
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 of him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly. pic.twitter.com/eQA5v1YCm8
— Tom Felton (@TomFelton) October 14, 2022
When we was young the only way to talk down to Robbie was to stand on a rock. pic.twitter.com/QPZKrGbvWj
— Adrian Edmondson (@AdrianEdmondson) October 15, 2022
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
Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier. He didn’t give a fuck and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times x
— 🇺🇦Matthew Lewis🇺🇦 (@Mattdavelewis) October 14, 2022
I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun.And I'll never forget in September 2000, Robbie Coltrane came over to a very nervous 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said "Enjoy it, you'll be great". Thank you for that x
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) October 14, 2022
I was saddened to learn that fellow #HarryPotter cast member, Robbie Coltrane died today. Always jovial, he brought warmth, light and laughter to any set he walked on to. RIP Robbie, Beloved Giant of comedy.x pic.twitter.com/NGT644dA7K
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) October 14, 2022
I hope it’s OK to spout memories: I used to ride with Robbie Coltrane between Manchester and London in his sort-of-restored MGA. I’d roll him cigarettes while he discoursed on the ways of the world, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or learned so much in my life.
— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) October 14, 2022
Coltrane's daughter Alice McMillan briefly shared a touching photograph taken of her and her father, while Harry Potter creator JK Rowling was also among those paying tribute.
"I'll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again," Rowling said.
"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."
Other Potter alumni sharing their memories of Coltrane included Matthew Lewis, James Phelps, Bonnie Wright and Warwick Davis.
