Harry Potter lead actor Daniel Radcliffe has shared a touching statement about the death of Robbie Coltrane, who played Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid. The Hagrid character was an ally of Harry, recognizable by his impossibly large size and cheerful accent. In the world of the story, Hagrid failed to complete his education at Hogwarts and was therefore not allowed to use magic, but he still played an important role in the Hogwarts faculty as a gamekeeper, gardener and the right-hand man of Dumbledore (Michael Gannon).
Although the Harry Potter films wrapped in 2011, the franchise continues to hold a special place in the hearts of viewers and the actors involved. After working together for so many years, Harry Potter cast shares a meaningful bond with each other, as evidenced by the recent Harry Potter Special 20th anniversary reunion. In the movies, Harry and Hagrid were very close, an off-screen dynamic between Radcliffe and Coltrane.
Radcliffe released a statement shared with: Deadline upon Coltrane’s death. Many of the child actors who played students have had robust careers as adults, while many of the actors who filled the Hogwarts staff have sadly passed away, including Snape actor Alan Rickman, Uncle Herman actor Richard Griffiths and now Coltrane. Coltrane was 72 years old and leaves behind his two children. Read Radcliffe’s full comments below.
“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and kept us laughing all the time like kids on set. I especially have fond memories of him cheering us up about Prisoner of Azkaban, when we all hid for hours from the torrential rain in Hagrid’s cabin, telling stories and making jokes to keep morale up. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to meet and work with him and I am very sad that he passed away. He was an incredible actor and a nice man.”
Daniel Radcliffe & Robbie Coltrane’s Relationship Reflects Harry & Hagrid
Hagrid serves as a mentor to Harry and the relationship is one of the most adored in the franchise. Hagrid’s unforgettable introduction to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone instill fear in Harry as the hulking man stood on the threshold of the family doorway, leaving Harry wondering if sorcery is a safe pursuit; but in time Hagrid’s good nature revealed that the man was a gentle giant. Being Harry’s first channel into the world of magic, Hagrid was reliable and was by his side throughout the series. Based on Radcliffe’s comments and previous coverage, he and Coltrane had a similar off-screen relationship from the first film all the way through. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II.
Hagrid and Harry’s relationship is more than just endearing, it’s a narratively useful tool that often drove the plot. Hagrid often gave Harry, Hermoine (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) secrets about magical animals and the doings of Hogwarts staff, sparking their curiosity and inspiring them to discover what they don’t know. The charming, wimpy line of the character “I shouldn’t have said that,” preceded Harry and the gang on well-intentioned doom. Though he was loosely responsible for encouraging the trio to go on dangerous adventures, Hagrid saw Harry and his friends as the just, worthy, and moral group they were. Coltrane will be sorely missed by Radcliffe and the rest of the world Harry Potter fandom.
Source: Deadline
