Fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of Robbie Coltrane.
The actor, best known for playing the half-giant groundskeeper Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” series, passed away Friday at age 72. His agent, Belinda Wright, confirmed to BBC News that Coltrane died in hospital in Scotland, calling him a “unique talent” and adding that his performance as Hagrid “brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world.”
She added, “For me personally I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client. As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I shall miss him.
Along with the “Potter” series, Coltrane was also well remembered for his role in the detective TV series “Cracker” and his role in the James Bond entries “Goldeneye” and “The World Is Not Enough”.
News of Coltrane’s passed brought an outpouring of remembrances from fans, celebrities and more.
Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played the eponymous boy wizard in the series, shared a statement with People and said that he “was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set.”
“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,” he said. Radcliffe added that “feel(s) incredibly lucky that to (have) meet and worked with” Coltrane. “He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.”
Radcliffe’s “Potter” co-star Emma Watson, who portrayed the levelheaded, always logical and book-smart Hermione Granger, also paid tribute to the late actor on her Instagram Story, writing “there was no better Hagrid.”
“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,” the actress said. “His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant — he could fill ANY space with his brilliance.
READ MORE: Daniel Radcliffe Reveals Why He Wouldn’t Want To Do A ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’ Movie
“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,” Watson continued in her statement. “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,” the 32-year-old concluded. “You made it a joy to be Hermione.”

Rupert Grint, who starred as Harry and Hermione’s best friend Ron Weasley, posted a photo of Coltrane playing the flute as his character Hagrid, sharing in the caption that he is “heartbroken that Robbie is gone.”
“I’ll never forget the smell of cigars and beard glue- a wonderful combination. No one else on this planet could [have] played Hagrid, only Robbie,” Grint wrote. “Just as Hagrid was in the books and films, Robbie was in life-warm, compassionate and hilarious. A giant-hearted man who was still looking out for us even decades later. Sending love to his family. See you on the other side, Bobser.”
Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the films, shared that one of his “fondest memories of filming ‘Harry Potter’ was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest,” he wrote in his tribute. “I was 12. Robbie cared & 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 xx.”
Other members of the “Harry Potter” cast who worked with Coltrane, including actors James and Oliver Phelps- who portrayed Fred Weasley and George Weasley respectively- Matthew Lewis [Neville Longbottom], Bonnie Wright [Ginny Weasley] and David Thewlis [Remus Lupin] remembered the beloved actor on social media as well.
I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun.And I'll never forget in September 2000, Robbie Coltrane came over to a very nervous 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said "Enjoy it, you'll be great". Thank you for that x
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) October 14, 2022
November 2001 – Leicester Square, London. "Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car"! Robbie Coleraine when he was next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere. Over the years we had some great chats about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) October 14, 2022
Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier. He didn’t give a fuck and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times x
— 🇺🇦Matthew Lewis🇺🇦 (@Mattdavelewis) October 14, 2022
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who famously wrote Hagrid with Coltrane in mind, shared her sadness at the loss on Twitter.
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. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children. pic.twitter.com/tzpln8hD9z
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 14, 2022
The official Wizarding World Twitter account posted an image of Coltrane dressed as Hagrid on set alongside a statement commemorating the “magnificent” actor.
We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films. He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/CCofb6BMo6
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) October 14, 2022
Others who mourned included actor Stephen Fry, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon, broadcaster Richard Coles and more.
I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago. I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) October 14, 2022
Very sad news. He had such range and depth as an actor, from brilliant comedy to hard-edged drama. I think my favourite of all his roles was Fitz in Cracker.
Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend – you will be hugely missed. RIP https://t.co/z9OCf4c83p— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 14, 2022
Very sorry to hear Robbie Coltrane has died. We shared a dressing room once and he had the biggest pants I have ever seen, which he wore with tremendous flair. We were friends from then on. pic.twitter.com/b1Wr5wUuz9
— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) October 14, 2022
Robbie Coltrane’s passing is a tragic loss to the world. He was an exceptional actor whose talent knew no bounds. He was beloved to Bond audiences as Valentin Zukovsky in GOLDENEYE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH as well as to millions who saw him in his multitude of roles. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/hrEXPMN8UJ
— James Bond (@007) October 14, 2022