“I believe that men are here to grow themselves into the best good that they can be,” the iconic saxophonist John Coltrane once said. Anthony Robert McMillan chose his stage name as a homage to the jazz great and, as the actor Robbie Coltrane, went on to grow into the best good that he could be. Both Coltranes possessed notes that had a unique flavour and could be delivered with singular skill.
Robbie Coltrane, who died on October 14, leaves behind a rich stage and screen legacy that audiences will continue to admire and enjoy for decades to come. Much of the world will remember him for his performance was as Rubeus Hagrid, full of warmth and humour as the benevolent groundskeeper at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Being half-giant exposed Hagrid to prejudice, but he vowed to “never be ashamed” of his heritage and advised Harry: “You’ll be just fine. Just be yourself.” That seems to be the mantra Coltrane embodied throughout his own lengthy career. He wasn’t afraid to be himself.
