Robbie Coltrane Remembered by J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe and Others

Actor Robbie Coltrane passed away at 72 on Friday at a hospital near his home in Scotland, and many stars have begun to pay tribute on social media, including Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and his co-star Daniel Radcliffe.

Coltrane was famously known for playing the giant, lovable, dragon-obsessed gamekeeper at Hogwarts, Rubeus Hagrid, but he also starred in two James Bond films as Valentin Zukovsky and played criminal psychologist Eddie "Fitz" Fitzgerald in the British TV series, Cracker.

Following the announcement of his passing, Radcliffe—who played Harry Potter in the films and worked alongside Coltrane for all eight movies—said in a statement: "Robbie 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."

"I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he's passed," Radcliffe continued. "He was an incredible actor and a lovely man."

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, also tweeted on Friday, "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."

British actor and comedian Stephen Fry wrote on Twitter on Friday, "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.

James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in all eight of the Harry Potter films, wrote, "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."

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, posted a photo of herself and Coltrane on her Instagram story with a message that read, "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. His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant-he could fill ANY space with his brilliance. 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," she added. "You made it a joy to be Hermione."

Hugh Laurie, known for his role as the prickly Dr. Gregory House in the show House, wrote, "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."

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, tweeted, "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."

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, tweeted, "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."

Update 10/14/22, 4:10 p.m. ET: This story was updated with an additional tribute to Robbie Coltrane.