Harry Potter Stars Mourn Their Beloved “Giant” Robbie Coltrane’s Death At 72

Harry Potter may be the star character of the titular franchise, but Hagrid was the one that reached into the hearts of children and filled their senses with wonder. As the world mourns the actor who played the literally larger-than-life character, Harry Potter’s cast and team have thought it necessary to raise their wands one last time to the small giant who made us smile.

Robbie Coltrane – Receives Sweet Tributes From Harry Potter Team: “Big Friendly Giant”

Robbie Coltrane passed away on Friday at the age of 72. It was a sad news for both magicians and muggles alike as people flocked to social media to share what they loved about Tom Felton’s portrayal of the half-giant Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise.

Maybe it was his smile or the way his eyes twinkled with kindness that made him endeared to you, or maybe it was the craziness (I’m saying this knowing fully well Hagrid sent two children to the forbidden forest to consult a giant spider who tried to feed them to its giant kids). But we can all agree that Harry Potter wouldn’t be Harry Potter without Coltrane’s lovable giant, who remained loyal to Professor Dumbledore and Harry Potter to the end.

Tom Felton, famous for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, shared a pic of himself, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint (when they were younger) with Coltrane, writing: “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. He was a big friendly giant on screen but even more so In real life. Love you mate – thank you for everything xx.”

Matthew Lewis, Harry Potter’s Neville Longbottom, tweeted: “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.”

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also joined so many Harry Potter actors in paying tribute to Coltrane – her favorite character. “Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane,” she wrote. “Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly. Robbie always treated me and my fellow cast mates when we were wee kids like equal professionals on a film set. A type of attitude that instilled confidence and a sense of togetherness. Thanks for all the laughter.”

Harry Potter – Creator JK Rowling Shares A Candid And Personal Tribute

When Harry Potter ended, the friendship Robbie Coltrane had forged with JK Rowling continued, with the actor coming to her aid whenever she was drowning in negative tabloid news.

As expected, JK Rowling joined in in paying tribute to Coltrane. She poignantly shared a picture of her and Coltrane sharing a sweet moment.

She captioned the pic, “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.”

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with “Harry Potter” right now. Come back here often for all “Harry Potter” spoilers, news, and updates.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com