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Tributes paid to 'incredible actor' Robbie Coltrane

Updated / Saturday, 15 Oct 2022 00:36
Robbie Coltrane
Robbie Coltrane

Tributes have been pouring in for the much-loved actor Robbie Coltrane, who has passed away at the age of 72.

An outpouring of messages and fond memories were shared on social media following the news from his agent of 40 years, Belinda Wright, announcing that Coltrane had died on Friday.

Hugh Laurie, who acted alongside Coltrane in the period sitcom Blackadder and in the sketch series Alfresco, said he always laughed and had fun in his company.

"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," Laurie tweeted.

"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."

Daniel Radcliffe remembered his Harry Potter co-star as "one of the funniest people" and an "incredible actor".

The actor, who starred in the lead role in the fantasy series, worked closely with Coltrane, who played Rubeus Hagrid, throughout the eight films.

Radcliffe shared fond memories from set in a statement shared with the PA news agency, saying: "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. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man."

The official Twitter account for the Harry Potter films said the team was "hugely saddened" by the news of his death.

"We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films," the message said.

"He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed."

Stephen Fry also paid tribute to Robbie Coltrane, with whom he starred in the comedy series Alfresco.

"I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago," Fry tweeted.

"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."

Tony Robinson, who starred alongside Robbie Coltrane in British sitcom Blackadder, said Coltrane was "such a sweet man".

"Robbie! You were such a sweet man and so talented as a comic and as a straight actor," Robinson wrote on Twitter.

"'Dictionary' was my favourite episode of the Adder ever and it was all down to you mate. Rest well x"

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films alongside Coltrane, said the late actor "always made you smile".

"Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier," Lewis wrote.

"He didn't give a fu** and it always made you smile.

"A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times x"

JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, said Coltrane was "a complete one off".

Coltrane played Rowling's character Rubeus Hagrid in the film adaptations of her famous book series.

"I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again," Rowling wrote, accompanied with a picture of the pair.

"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."

James Phelps, who starred alongside Robbie Coltrane as Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter films, recalled his first memory of the actor.

"I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun," Phelps tweeted.

"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," he tweeted.

Oliver Phelps, who starred alongside Robbie Coltrane as George Weasley in the Harry Potter films, said he had "some great chats" with the late star.

"November 2001 – Leicester Square, London," Phelps wrote in a tweet.

"'Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car'! Robbie (Coltrane) when he was next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere.

"Over the years we had some great chats about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x"

Bond producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, described the actor's death as a "tragic loss to the world".

In a joint post to Twitter, they added: "He was an exceptional actor whose talent knew no bounds.

"He was beloved to Bond audiences as Valentin Zukovsky in GOLDENEYE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH as well as to millions who saw him in his multitude of roles.

"We shall miss him as a dear friend. Rest in peace Robbie."

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