A Tribute to Robbie Coltrane

Ina Choe | November 14, 2022

Illustration courtesy: Olivia Jung

“Yer a wizard, Harry,” uttered by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, marked the beginning of Harry Potter’s journey in the Wizarding World. The beloved half-giant played by actor Robbie Coltrane embodied the same warmth and kindness as the Hagrid represented in the Harry Potter books and movies. Coltrane passed away on October 14th, deeply saddening his family, peers, and the wizarding community. Although Coltrane may not be with us, his legacy and memories will live to inspire and comfort us as well as future generations.

Although he was most widely known as the half-giant Hagrid, he has made several appearances in other notable works, including the James Bond series, the British drama Cracker, and National Treasure. His legacy has touched many actors, including, of course, the cast of Harry Potter. Daniel Radcliffe spoke warmly about his encounters with the actor, saying, “Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on that set.”

Coltrane was an influential role model for the many young actors on the set of the Harry Potter franchise. Actress Emma Watson, who played the fan-favorite character Hermione Granger, said that Coltrane made it a joy for her to play her character. She delivered a heartwarming message saying, “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.”

Time and time again, Coltrane proved what a perfect Hagrid he was, not only because of his acting but also because of their similarities. Author of the Harry Potter series J.K. Rowling said that Coltrane was an immediate pick for the character. “Robbie is just perfect for Hagrid because Hagrid is a very loveable character, quite likable, quite comic,” the author said. “But he had to have—you really do have to sense—a certain toughness underneath, and I think Robbie does that perfectly.”

The whole world paid tribute to Coltrane’s passing as they honored the legendary Rubeus Hagrid. His quote from the Harry Potter reunion this year was posted on the pillars in a train station in the United Kingdom, reading, “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children, so you could be watching it in 50 years time, easily. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will.” Actor Tom Felton also posted this quote on his Instagram, with the caption “Raise your wands.” His caption seemed to inspire the wizarding fandom as Universal Studios Orlando attendees rose their wands and Hagrid’s signature pink umbrellas into the sky, in remembrance of both the beloved character and the late actor.

As Hagrid once said, “What’s comin’ will come, an’ we’ll meet it when it does.” So instead of dwelling on his passing, let’s raise our wands (and pink umbrellas!) to celebrate the legacy of Hagrid and the joy Robbie Coltrane will bring to audiences forever.