Tributes have begun pouring in for Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane after his death at the age of 72.
The Scottish actor, who rose to fame after appearing in ITV drama Cracker and the beloved Harry Potter franchise, has passed away on Friday after decades of a successful acting career, his agent confirmed.
“My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday, October 14. 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,” Belinda Wright wrote.
“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.
“James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.”
In her tribute, the agent went on to remember the 72-year-old as an “abidingly loyal client” and a “wonderful” and “brilliant” actor.
Since Robbie’s death, countless celebrities and fans took to social media to pay their respects to the “compassionate” and “caring” individual who was a “gentle giant” both on screen as well as in private life.
Among hundreds of tributes were also touching messages from Robbie’s Harry Potter co-stars.
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the namesake fantasy movies, expressed.
“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.”
Emma Watson, the Hermione Granger actress, added that Robbie was like a “fun uncle” to her and the other kids on the Harry Potter set.
“Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had but most of all he was deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult,” she said.
“His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance.”
Honoring the late actor’s memory, Watson added: “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 really 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 starred as the antagonist Draco Malfoy in the franchise, recalled his fondest memory of the beloved actor.
“One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest. I was 12,” he wrote.
“Robbie cared and looked after everyone around of him. Effortlessly. 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.”
Adding to the tributes was also Professor Flitwick star Warwick Davis who wrote: “I was saddened to learn that fellow Harry Potter 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.”
Neville Longbottom actor Matthew Lewis added: “Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier. He didn’t give a f*** and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times.”
Leading the touching tributes to the beloved actor was JK Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, who suggested Robbie was a one-of-a-kind person and actor.
“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,” she wrote.
“I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children.”