Renowned Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane passed away last Friday at the age of 72. Coltrane was perhaps best known to the younger audiences for his portrayal of lovable half-giant and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter movie series.
Coltrane began acting with roles in the theatre in the late ’70s and transitioned to broadcast productions in the 1980s, starring alongside other British greats, including Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and future Harry Potter co-star Emma Thompson. The late Queen Elizabeth II appointed him as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006 for his “services to drama.” Throughout his career, Coltrane also earned many other awards, including several for “Best Actor” in his shows.
He was even voted as the No. 6 “Most Recognizable Scot” in a United Kingdom poll in 2006, following the Loch Ness Monster, Robert Burns, Sean Connery, Robert the Bruce, and William Wallace.
Coltrane had suffered from osteoarthritis later in his life, and reports shared that he had used a wheelchair for several years leading up to his death due to the extreme pain he was suffering through.
Many fans and entertainment entities expressed sadness and condolences upon hearing of his death, including many of his Harry Potter cast-mates. From Oct. 11 through Oct. 19, Coltrane’s name was mentioned 1.17 million times worldwide, with a major spike of nearly 922K mentions on Oct. 14, the day the news broke that he had passed away.
Former co-stars turned to social media to share tributes to the late actor, including Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter)…
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
Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley in Harry Potter)…
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
and Hugh Laurie (his co-star in several productions, including the sketch show “Alfresco” and BBC sitcom “Blackadder”).
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
Though a Scottish actor, Coltrane touched the hearts of millions worldwide, and support poured in globally. Following the United States and United Kingdom, the top countries with mentions of Coltrane’s name were Brazil, Spain, and Thailand, with many of the most popular Tweets posted in Thai.
Many evoked popular motifs from the Harry Potter series as they mourned, including the scene of students raising their wand in tribute to character Albus Dumbledore’s death. Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, FL, even re-enacted the tribute themselves:
Wands up for Robbie Coltrane pic.twitter.com/HCbEewBudx
— Universal Parks News Today (@UniNewsToday) October 14, 2022
Others mourned Coltrane as the latest of the Harry Potter movies’ cast to leave us. Acting giants such as Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy), John Hurt (Mr. Ollivander), Richard Harris (the original Albus Dumbledore), and Verne Troyer (Griphook the goblin) have all passed away since the movies first hit the big screen.
Though we will all miss Coltrane’s contributions to acting and charming personality, we can feel cheered by his legacy to this generation and future ones. An interview from the Harry Potter reunion special resurfaced in which Coltrane reflects on what Hagrid meant to so many people: “In 50 years’ time, I’ll not be here, sadly… but Hagrid will.”
Author: Kayleigh Jackson
