The ‘Harry Potter’ crowd has paid tribute to the recently deceased ‘Rubeus Hagrid’ Robbie Coltrane, describing him as a warm, loving, caring, funny and interesting person.
J.K. Rowling, the original author of ‘Harry Potter’: “I’ll never meet anyone who even remotely resembles Robbie, he’s incredibly talented and completely unique. I was so lucky to have known him, worked with him, and shared a laugh with him. My love and deepest condolences to his family and especially to his children.”
Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry in the film: “Robbie is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, and was a constant source of laughter for us as children on set. Particularly fond memories of him include lifting our spirits during the ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ period, when we were sheltering from the pouring rain in Hagrid’s cabin and he told us stories and jokes to keep our morale high. I was fortunate to have met and worked with him, and deeply saddened by his passing. He was a brilliant actor and a lovely man.”
Emma Watson as Hermione: “Robbie is like the funniest uncle I’ve ever had, but most importantly, he cares so much and empathizes with me as a child and as an adult. Robbie, if I could be as kind and thoughtful as you were to me on the movie set, I promise it would be in your name and in your memory. I know how much I loved and admired you and I miss your sweetness, your nickname, your warmth, your big laugh and your hugs. You made us all a family. You meant so much to us and there was no better Hagrid than you. You made appearing as Hermione a joy.”
Tom Felton as Draco: “One of my fondest memories of doing ‘Harry Potter’ was a night scene in the Forbidden Forest in the first film, when I was 12 years old and Robbie naturally took care of and cared for everyone around him, naturally making them laugh all the time. He was a friendly giant on the screen, and even more so in reality. Love you friend and thank you for all you do.”
James Phelps, who plays Fred, the Weasley brother: “I’ll miss the small talk about everything under the sun, and I’ll always remember Robbie Coltrane finding a nervous 14-year-old me on a movie set for the first time in September 2000 and saying, ‘Enjoy it. You’ll be great!’ Thank you.”
Oliver Phelps as George: “Leicester Square, London, November 2001, ‘Soak it up guys, it’s like buying a Rolls Royce for the first time you’ve ever bought a car’ – That’s what Robbie said when he stood next to me on the red carpet at the premiere of the first HP film. We’ve had some great conversations over the years about history and travel, Robbie , rest in peace.”
Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville, also recalled that Coltrane always gave him a laugh, “He called me Space Boy, and we both had a love for the last unexplored frontier (of space). He had that ‘I don’t care’ attitude, and that always made me laugh. A giant in many senses of the word, we have some great memories.”
As Ginny, Bonnie Wright said she was saddened to hear of Coltrane’s death: “Hagrid was my favorite character! Robbie did such a great job of portraying Hagrid’s warm, homey feeling and his unconditional love for his students and magical creatures. On set, Robbie always treated me and the young cast members with me like equal, professional colleagues. Such an attitude instilled confidence and intimacy in us. My love to your family and may you rest in peace.”
David Thewlis as Lupin: “The biggest, funniest, naughtiest laughs we had on set were all Big Robbie’s fault. You, my dear friend, will always be loved and remembered fondly.”
Warwick Davis as Filius: “I was saddened to hear that fellow ‘Harry Potter’ cast member Robbie Coltrane passed away today, he was always full of cheer and brought warmth, lightness and laughter to all the sets he was on. Rest in peace Robbie, a beloved comedy giant.”
