Tributes are flowing for Robbie Coltrane after he died on Friday
(Picture: AP)Tributes have flooded in for Cracker and Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane after his death was announced on Friday by his agent.
The 72-year-old British star is being remembered for his role as Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise over all eight films, as well as his portrayal of Fitz in Granada TV’s series Cracker, for which he won three consecutive Bafta awards for Best Actor.
Author JK Rowling said Coltrane was “an incredible talent”, meanwhile Stephen Fry, who met Coltrane almost 40 years ago, said he will be “dreadfully missed”.
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 Harry Potter, said Coltrane “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.
“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.”
Tom Felton, who starred as Draco Malfoy alongside Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter films, paid tribute to the “big friendly giant”.
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
The James Bond franchise has also paid tribute to Coltrane, who played villian Valentin Zukovsky in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.
Robbie Coltrane’s passing is a tragic loss to the world. He was an exceptional actor whose talent knew no bounds. He was beloved to Bond audiences as Valentin Zukovsky in GOLDENEYE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH as well as to millions who saw him in his multitude of roles. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/hrEXPMN8UJ
— James Bond (@007) October 14, 2022
JK Rowling wrote on Twitter: “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again,” accompanied with a picture of the pair.
“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.”
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
The official Twitter account for the Harry Potter films said the team was “hugely saddened” by the news.
“We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent RobbieColtrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films,” the message said.
“He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed.”
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/n1IshfFG6y
— Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) October 14, 2022
James Phelps, who starred alongside Coltrane as Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter films, recalled his first memory of the actor.
“I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun,” Phelps tweeted.
“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,” he tweeted.
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, said she was “heartbroken” by the news of RobbieColtrane’s death.
“Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane,” she wrote.
“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.”
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
Blackadder star Hugh Laurie has recalled memories of his time with Coltrane.
“I used to ride with Robbie Coltrane between Manchester and London in his sort-of-restored MGA,” Laurie tweeted.
“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.”
