Robbie Coltrane, who brought several characters to life, notably Rubeus Hagrid from Harry Potter, dies at 72.
Even before he played Rubeus Hagrid in Harry Potter, Coltrane already boasted a strong career in the entertainment sector. However, even though Coltrane appears in a lot of movies and known to portray many characters, the younger generation tends to remember him as Hagrid.
Coltrane cares for the young Harry Potter and supports him in dangerous circumstances in his role as Hagrid. Within the first few minutes of the film series, the larger-than-life figure made his initial appearance, bringing the infant Harry to his muggle family. Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster, and professor McGonagall were with him. When Harry comes of age, Hagrid brings him back into the wizarding community.
Fans remembered Coltrane on social media after hearing the tragic news of his passing. They paid respect to the one and only “keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts.” But, of course, who could ever forget the half-giant’s “Yer a wizard, Harry,” which marked the beginning of Harry’s adventure into the wizarding world for many.
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Wizard friends and their regard for Coltrane
Hermoine Granger, portrayed by Emma Watson, shared something on social media. She spent several years cooperating with Coltrane, reaching the last segment of the series. Watson described Coltrane’s kindness and the impact he had on his colleagues.
“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.”
Tom Felton, who gave life to Draco Malfoy, contrasted the traits of Hagrid and Coltrane. Felton said that the celebrity cared more about other people than he did himself, like Hagrid.
“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.”
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‘I’ll not be here, but Hagrid will’
The news naturally made the supporters distraught. But as with every other celebrity who departed, Coltrane’s followers paid homage to him and his fulfilled roles.
“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.
Coltrane mentioned Hagrid as someone who may outlast him when he appeared in HBO’s Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.
“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.”
Photo Credit: Ilya S. Savenok
Source: NPR
