Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid. Pic- Official Twitter handle of Harry Potter film
The opening scene of 'Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone' (2001) sees Albus Dumbeldore and Professor McGonagall having a conversation on Privet Drive. "Do you think it wise to trust Hagrid with something as important as this? asks a concerned Professor McGonagall. Responding to it, Albus Dumbeldore, the Principal of Hogwarts, says with a calm and reassuring voice, "Ah, Professor, I would trust Hagrid with my life". At the end of this exchange, we see Hagrid, a giant-sized man flying in from the sky on a normal-sized bike. He lands on Privet Drive and hands over baby Harry Potter to Dumbeldore.
Actor Robbie Coltrane gave life to Hagrid on screen. A recurring character, Hagrid is the gamekeeper of Hogwarts and also Harry's first introduction to the world of wizards. Coltrane passed away on October 14 at the age of 72. Fans of the series took to social media to pay tribute to the actor who gave a face to the lovable Rubeus Hagrid.
The cast of Harry Potter including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson(Hermoine Granger), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) paid tribute to the actor.
"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 Azkban 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. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man," wrote Daniel Radcliffe sharing his memories with the late actor.
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Rupert Grint took to his Instagram handle to pen a note for the actor long with a picture of him as Hagrid sitting outside his hut. "Heartbroken to hear 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 of played Hagrid, only Robbie.
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".
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"Ronnie 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. You made it a joy to be Hermoine," wrote Emma Watson along with a picture of her and Robbie clicked during the filming of the Reunion special.
While Tom Felton's character expressed no liking for Hagrid, off-screen it was a different story altogether. "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 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," he wrote.