After Robbie Coltrane’s tragic passing earlier this week, Harry Potter star Emma Watson pays tribute to her late co-star. Based on author J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released in 2001, introducing audiences to Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry, Rupert Grint’s Ron, and Watson’s Hermione. After the success of the first film, the Harry Potter franchise would only become more popular in the following years. Although the Fantastic Beasts spinoff movies continue to explore new facets of the Harry Potter universe, the main franchise concluded in 2011 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
Introduced alongside Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Coltrane played Hagrid, a lovable half-giant who serves as the groundskeeper at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hagrid is the one who first introduces Harry to the world of magic and would go on to play a significant role in the many Harry Potter sequels, serving as a constant ally to Harry. Coltrane tragically passed away earlier this week at the age of 72, leading to an outpouring of love from fans everywhere. Radcliffe shared his own tribute to Coltrane, fondly remembering his Harry Potter co-star and the late actor’s kindness.
Now, Harry Potter star Emma Watson has also taken to social media to share her own tribute to the late Robbie Coltrane. The actor shared a sweet message on her Instagram stories, remembering Coltrane’s immense warmth, talent, and welcoming presence on set. Check out a screenshot of Watson’s post (above).
Why Robbie Coltrane’s Hagrid In Harry Potter Is So Beloved
With the actor’s passing, it’s once again become clear that Coltrane’s Hagrid is a highlight for Harry Potter fans and actors alike. In the first few films, Hagrid serves as an entry point into the magical world of Harry Potter, not just for Harry himself, but also for audiences. As Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson grew older and the Harry Potter films became more mature, Hagrid and his lonesome cabin on Hogwarts’ grounds remained a source of stability and warmth for the films’ heroes, with the character always willing to lend a helping hand or share some sage advice when the going got tough.
The comments from Watson and Radcliffe affirm that, just as Hagrid helped usher audiences into the world of witchcraft and wizardry, Coltrane himself helped to make the Harry Potter sets welcoming for the younger actors. Coltrane and Hagrid, then, weren’t so different in some respects. Although there are many characters in the films who are still beloved by fans all these years later, Coltrane’s Hagrid remains a special figure for Harry Potter fans everywhere, not only for capturing the essence of the character from Rowling’s writing but also for elevating the material and injecting his own unique sense of warmth into the role.
