Tag: Harry Potter

  • Literary Success Story: From Wizardry To Wordcraft, JK Rowling’s Magical Journey To Literary Triumph | world news

    New Delhi: JK Rowling’s life reads like a fantastical tale itself. A single mother on welfare, battling personal tragedy and rejection, she conjured a boy wizard named Harry Potter, who not only conquered evil but also conquered Rowling’s own hardships. This is the story of an author who spun gold from adversity, weaving a literary empire that captivated millions and forever changed the landscape of children’s fiction.

    From Train Delays to Magical Beginnings:

    It all began on a delayed train in 1990. Stuck in transit, a 25-year-old Rowling, mourning the loss of her mother, dreamed up a young boy receiving his Hogwarts letter. This seed of an idea would blossom into the first Harry Potter manuscript, written amidst poverty and personal struggles. Despite facing 12 rejections, Rowling refused to let her story vanish.

    Bloomsbury Blossoms and Boy Wizard Booms:

    Finally, in 1997, a small British publisher named Bloomsbury took a chance on Harry Potter. The rest, as they say, is magical history. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was an instant success, capturing hearts and awards alike. Book after book followed, each a global phenomenon, with Rowling’s meticulous world-building and relatable characters enchanting readers of all ages.

    Beyond Hogwarts: A Literary Legacy:

    The Harry Potter series, translated into over 80 languages, sold over 500 million copies, becoming the best-selling book series in history. It spawned eight successful films, theme parks, and countless merchandise, propelling Rowling to unprecedented literary and financial success.

    But Rowling’s impact extends far beyond commercial triumph. She became a beacon of hope for aspiring writers and a champion for social causes, establishing her own charity, Lumos, to help disadvantaged children.

    A Story of Triumph and Tenacity:

    JK Rowling’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. It’s a story of defying doubters, embracing imagination, and weaving hope into words. Rowling’s legacy is not just the Boy Who Lived, but the inspiration she sparked in millions – a reminder that even the darkest chapters can lead to the most magical beginnings.

  • Actor Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter movies, dies aged 82

    By AFP

    LONDON: British-Irish actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films, has died in hospital aged 82, his family announced Thursday.

    Gambon won four television BAFTAs and an Olivier award during a decades-spanning acting career across television, film, radio and theatre, which was capped by his beloved role as the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts in the Potter series.

    “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” a statement issued on behalf of his family said.

    “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”

    Gambon, born in Ireland, began his illustrious acting career in theatre, making his first appearance on stage in a production of “Othello” at the Gates Theatre in the Irish capital Dublin in 1962.

    He became well known in Britain for playing a French detective in the ITV series “Maigret”, and for his 1986 role as Philip Marlow in screenwriter Dennis Potter’s “The Singing Detective”.

    He put in a memorable performance in the BBC’s 2015 adaptation of JK Rowling’s “The Casual Vacancy”, while his theatre credentials include appearances in Alan Ayckbourn’s “The Norman Conquests”, “The Life Of Galileo” and Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre productions of “Henry IV”.

    RIP Michael Gambon, 82.A true acting great.He once told me: ‘All I’ve ever wanted to do was act – but these modern celebrities want a quick buck with no talent or hard work required. It’s awful.’‘What would you call this type of person?’ I asked.‘I’d call them a cretin.’ pic.twitter.com/5urVWMDtsD
    — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 28, 2023
    Film roles included in period dramas such as 2010’s “The King’s Speech” and 2001’s “Gosford Park”.

    But he won global acclaim for his performances as Dumbledore in the wildly popular “Harry Potter” films, beginning with 1997’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.

    Gambon was knighted for his contribution to the entertainment industry in 1998.

    Tributes began to pour in following news of his death.

    “I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died,” former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson said on social media, recalling that the actor was such a “tremendous guest” that he had a corner named after him on the BBC show’s race track.

    “He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him.”

    LONDON: British-Irish actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films, has died in hospital aged 82, his family announced Thursday.

    Gambon won four television BAFTAs and an Olivier award during a decades-spanning acting career across television, film, radio and theatre, which was capped by his beloved role as the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts in the Potter series.

    “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” a statement issued on behalf of his family said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”

    Gambon, born in Ireland, began his illustrious acting career in theatre, making his first appearance on stage in a production of “Othello” at the Gates Theatre in the Irish capital Dublin in 1962.

    He became well known in Britain for playing a French detective in the ITV series “Maigret”, and for his 1986 role as Philip Marlow in screenwriter Dennis Potter’s “The Singing Detective”.

    He put in a memorable performance in the BBC’s 2015 adaptation of JK Rowling’s “The Casual Vacancy”, while his theatre credentials include appearances in Alan Ayckbourn’s “The Norman Conquests”, “The Life Of Galileo” and Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre productions of “Henry IV”.

    RIP Michael Gambon, 82.
    A true acting great.
    He once told me: ‘All I’ve ever wanted to do was act – but these modern celebrities want a quick buck with no talent or hard work required. It’s awful.’
    ‘What would you call this type of person?’ I asked.
    ‘I’d call them a cretin.’ pic.twitter.com/5urVWMDtsD
    — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 28, 2023
    Film roles included in period dramas such as 2010’s “The King’s Speech” and 2001’s “Gosford Park”.

    But he won global acclaim for his performances as Dumbledore in the wildly popular “Harry Potter” films, beginning with 1997’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.

    Gambon was knighted for his contribution to the entertainment industry in 1998.

    Tributes began to pour in following news of his death.

    “I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died,” former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson said on social media, recalling that the actor was such a “tremendous guest” that he had a corner named after him on the BBC show’s race track.

    “He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him.”

  • ‘Harry Potter’ star Daniel Radcliffe, girlfriend Erin Darke expecting first child

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who gained major stardom after playing the titular role of Harry Potter in the film, has confirmed he is expecting his first child with long-term partner Erin Darke.

    The 33-year-old star and Darke, 38, are due to become parents later this year, reports BBC.com

    The actors have been together for a decade after reportedly meeting on the set of the film ‘Kill Your Darlings’ in 2013.

    Radcliffe played poet Allen Ginsberg in the film, and Darke featured as Gwendolyn, a romantic interest.

    Radcliffe rose to fame aged 12 when he starred as the bespectacled boy wizard in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ in 2001. More recently, he starred in the lead role in ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’, which was released last year.

    The biopic follows the life and career of comedian Weird Al Yankovic, who found fame with comical spoof versions of classic songs.

    Radcliffe told Newsweek last year: “I want my kids – if and when they exist – I would love them to be around film sets.”

    Michigan-born Darke is best known for her role in 2015 series Good Girls Revolt, and more recently appeared in Prime Video series ‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’.

    Radcliffe’s Harry Potter co-star, Rupert Grint, who played Ronald Weasley in the films, has a three-year-old daughter, Wednesday, with actor Georgia Groome.

    LOS ANGELES: Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who gained major stardom after playing the titular role of Harry Potter in the film, has confirmed he is expecting his first child with long-term partner Erin Darke.

    The 33-year-old star and Darke, 38, are due to become parents later this year, reports BBC.com

    The actors have been together for a decade after reportedly meeting on the set of the film ‘Kill Your Darlings’ in 2013.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Radcliffe played poet Allen Ginsberg in the film, and Darke featured as Gwendolyn, a romantic interest.

    Radcliffe rose to fame aged 12 when he starred as the bespectacled boy wizard in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ in 2001. More recently, he starred in the lead role in ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’, which was released last year.

    The biopic follows the life and career of comedian Weird Al Yankovic, who found fame with comical spoof versions of classic songs.

    Radcliffe told Newsweek last year: “I want my kids – if and when they exist – I would love them to be around film sets.”

    Michigan-born Darke is best known for her role in 2015 series Good Girls Revolt, and more recently appeared in Prime Video series ‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’.

    Radcliffe’s Harry Potter co-star, Rupert Grint, who played Ronald Weasley in the films, has a three-year-old daughter, Wednesday, with actor Georgia Groome.

  • ‘Harry Potter’ TV series may come soon, says Warner Bros TV CEO

    By Express News Service

    A TV series based on Harry Potter may come soon, revealed Warner Bros TV CEO, Channing Dungey.According to a report by Eonline.com, Dungey said, “There is a tremendous amount of ambition for that and we are engaged in a number of different conversations. I wish I could tell you that something was imminent on the horizon but there is a lot of interest and a lot of passion for it.”

    Dungey also stated she’s optimistic about what the future holds. “We’re just trying to figure out what the right next step is,” she added. Last year, Warner Bros. TV has started dipping its toes into Harry Potter content. 

    In November 2021, TBS aired Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, a four-part quiz hosted by Helen Mirren which featured appearances from Harry Potter favourites like Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton and Luke Youngblood.

    HBO Max then premiered Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on New Year’s Day 2022, which featured a reunion of numerous actors from the film series, including stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

    A TV series based on Harry Potter may come soon, revealed Warner Bros TV CEO, Channing Dungey.
    According to a report by Eonline.com, Dungey said, “There is a tremendous amount of ambition for that and we are engaged in a number of different conversations. I wish I could tell you that something was imminent on the horizon but there is a lot of interest and a lot of passion for it.”

    Dungey also stated she’s optimistic about what the future holds. “We’re just trying to figure out what the right next step is,” she added. Last year, Warner Bros. TV has started dipping its toes into Harry Potter content. 

    In November 2021, TBS aired Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, a four-part quiz hosted by Helen Mirren which featured appearances from Harry Potter favourites like Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton and Luke Youngblood.

    HBO Max then premiered Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on New Year’s Day 2022, which featured a reunion of numerous actors from the film series, including stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

  • Ralph Fiennes expresses interest in playing Lord Voldemort again

    By Express News Service

    Actor Ralph Fiennes who portrayed the primary antagonist Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, has expressed his interest in reprising the role, should Warner Bros making more films on the wizarding world.

    When Variety asked the actor if he would be interested to play Voldemort again, Ralph said, “Sure, of course. No question about it.”Ralph played the role of Voldemort first in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and played the role in Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows 1-2. 

    It is to be noted that recently David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery had expressed interest to extend the company’s franchises by making more films, including that of the Harry Potter title. David has also dabbled on the idea to collaborate with the author of the books, JK Rowling.

    “We’re going to focus on franchises. We haven’t had a Superman movie in 13 years. We haven’t done a Harry Potter in 15 years. The DC movies and the Harry Potter movies provided a lot of the profits for Warner Bros. … over the past 25 years. If we can do something with J.K. on Harry Potter going forward,” Zaslav had said.

    Actor Ralph Fiennes who portrayed the primary antagonist Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, has expressed his interest in reprising the role, should Warner Bros making more films on the wizarding world.

    When Variety asked the actor if he would be interested to play Voldemort again, Ralph said, “Sure, of course. No question about it.”Ralph played the role of Voldemort first in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and played the role in Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows 1-2. 

    It is to be noted that recently David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery had expressed interest to extend the company’s franchises by making more films, including that of the Harry Potter title. David has also dabbled on the idea to collaborate with the author of the books, JK Rowling.

    “We’re going to focus on franchises. We haven’t had a Superman movie in 13 years. We haven’t done a Harry Potter in 15 years. The DC movies and the Harry Potter movies provided a lot of the profits for Warner Bros. … over the past 25 years. If we can do something with J.K. on Harry Potter going forward,” Zaslav had said.

  • Warner Bros CEO expresses interest in continuing ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Superman’ franchise

    By Express News Service

    David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery has expressed interest to extend the company’s franchises by making more films, including that of the Harry Potter title. David has also dabbled in the idea to collaborate with the author of the book, JK Rowling.

    “We’re going to focus on franchises. We haven’t had a Superman movie in 13 years. We haven’t done a Harry Potter in 15 years. The DC movies and the Harry Potter movies provided a lot of profits for Warner Bros. … over the past 25 years. If we can do something with J.K. on Harry Potter going forward.,” Zaslav was quoted as saying The Hollywood Reporter.

    It is to be noted that all eight Harry Potter films from the franchise were released by Warner Bros during the period between 2001-2011. The banner is also Rowling for the Fantastic Beasts franchise, which is also set in the same Harry Potter universe. However, that did not yield as many returns as the Harry Potter films.

    Meanwhile, recently actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular character in the Harry Potter franchise had said that it is important to speak out against Rowling’s controversial opinions on the transgender community. While Rowling has strongly established her conservative thoughts on the community and has been branded as TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist), Daniel had previously published an open letter stating that “Transgender women are women”.

    (This story was originally published in Cinema Express)

    David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery has expressed interest to extend the company’s franchises by making more films, including that of the Harry Potter title. David has also dabbled in the idea to collaborate with the author of the book, JK Rowling.

    “We’re going to focus on franchises. We haven’t had a Superman movie in 13 years. We haven’t done a Harry Potter in 15 years. The DC movies and the Harry Potter movies provided a lot of profits for Warner Bros. … over the past 25 years. If we can do something with J.K. on Harry Potter going forward.,” Zaslav was quoted as saying The Hollywood Reporter.

    It is to be noted that all eight Harry Potter films from the franchise were released by Warner Bros during the period between 2001-2011. The banner is also Rowling for the Fantastic Beasts franchise, which is also set in the same Harry Potter universe. However, that did not yield as many returns as the Harry Potter films.

    Meanwhile, recently actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular character in the Harry Potter franchise had said that it is important to speak out against Rowling’s controversial opinions on the transgender community. While Rowling has strongly established her conservative thoughts on the community and has been branded as TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist), Daniel had previously published an open letter stating that “Transgender women are women”.

    (This story was originally published in Cinema Express)

  • ‘There’s no Hogwarts without you Hagrid’: Remembering actor Robbie Coltrane

    By Online Desk

    Late veteran Scottish actor, Robbie Coltrane who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter series passed away on Friday. He was 72.

    Talking about his dearly-loved character in the Harry Potter reunion special Harry Potter’s 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts in which he was last seen, Robbie said, “The legacy of the [Harry Potter] movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children, so you can be watching it in 50 years time, easy.” He continued, “I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will.”

    Daniel Radcliffe, who played the protagonist ‘Harry Potter’ across all eight films, described the late actor as “a lovely man and an incredible actor.”

    Tom Felton who played Draco Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, recounted one of his fondest memories with the late actor on Twitter.

    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 of him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly. pic.twitter.com/eQA5v1YCm8
    — Tom Felton (@TomFelton) October 14, 2022
    Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian captures Robbie’s unforgettable impact as Hagrid in these lines: “Hagrid was played with enormous richness and warmth by Robbie Coltrane, then 51, part of that supergroup generation of character actors who attained global recognition by appearing in the Harry Potter movies. Coltrane’s piercing yet kindly stare, mighty physical frame and richly imperious voice were etched in the minds of young audiences all over the world.”

    Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 72. (File photo | AFP)

    Robbie was born Anthony Robert McMillan on 30 March 1950 in Rutherglen, Scotland. He moved into acting in his early twenties, taking the stage name Coltrane (in tribute to jazz saxophonist John Coltrane), and worked in theatre and comedy.

    He made his debut in acting with the 1980 movie Flash Gordon. 

    Besides his enchanting performance in Harry Potter, he also starred as the BAFTA award-winning character of criminal psychologist Dr Fitz in the critically acclaimed drama series Cracker (1993). 

    Robbie has also acted in several other films such as Ocean’s Twelve (2004), National Treasure (2017) and Brave (2012) where he lent his voice to the character Lord Dingwall.

    He also co-starred in GoldenEye and was known for his role as the iconic Bond villain Valentin Zukovsky in The World Is Not Enough. Other memorable performances include Nuns on the Run, The Adventures Of Huck Finn, and The Pope Must Die.

    Rest in peace dear Robbie Coltrane who has passed away at the age of 72.Pictured here with @EricIdle in Nuns on the Run.#RobbieColtrane pic.twitter.com/sBNATlGpG7
    — Sandford Reed (@Smegheadreed) October 14, 2022
    In the ’80s, he appeared in a short-lived sketch series called Alfresco alongside powerhouses Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and Emma Thompson.

    Robbie reunited with Thompson on the six-part drama series Tutti Frutti, for which he earned his first best actor British Academy Television Award nomination. 

    He breathed his last in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland. The actor had been suffering from illness for the past two years. He also reportedly suffered from osteoarthritis.

    He was also appointed as an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the 2006 New Year Honours by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama.

    J K Rowling, the creator of the “Harry Potter” books on which the films are based, said the Scottish actor was “an incredible talent and a complete one-off.”

    Robbie is survived by his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell and two children, son Spencer and daughter Alice.

    Late veteran Scottish actor, Robbie Coltrane who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter series passed away on Friday. He was 72.

    Talking about his dearly-loved character in the Harry Potter reunion special Harry Potter’s 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts in which he was last seen, Robbie said, “The legacy of the [Harry Potter] movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children, so you can be watching it in 50 years time, easy.” He continued, “I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will.”

    Daniel Radcliffe, who played the protagonist ‘Harry Potter’ across all eight films, described the late actor as “a lovely man and an incredible actor.”

    Tom Felton who played Draco Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, recounted one of his fondest memories with the late actor on Twitter.

    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 of him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly. pic.twitter.com/eQA5v1YCm8
    — Tom Felton (@TomFelton) October 14, 2022
    Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian captures Robbie’s unforgettable impact as Hagrid in these lines: “Hagrid was played with enormous richness and warmth by Robbie Coltrane, then 51, part of that supergroup generation of character actors who attained global recognition by appearing in the Harry Potter movies. Coltrane’s piercing yet kindly stare, mighty physical frame and richly imperious voice were etched in the minds of young audiences all over the world.”

    Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 72. (File photo | AFP)

    Robbie was born Anthony Robert McMillan on 30 March 1950 in Rutherglen, Scotland. He moved into acting in his early twenties, taking the stage name Coltrane (in tribute to jazz saxophonist John Coltrane), and worked in theatre and comedy.

    He made his debut in acting with the 1980 movie Flash Gordon. 

    Besides his enchanting performance in Harry Potter, he also starred as the BAFTA award-winning character of criminal psychologist Dr Fitz in the critically acclaimed drama series Cracker (1993). 

    Robbie has also acted in several other films such as Ocean’s Twelve (2004), National Treasure (2017) and Brave (2012) where he lent his voice to the character Lord Dingwall.

    He also co-starred in GoldenEye and was known for his role as the iconic Bond villain Valentin Zukovsky in The World Is Not Enough. Other memorable performances include Nuns on the Run, The Adventures Of Huck Finn, and The Pope Must Die.

    Rest in peace dear Robbie Coltrane who has passed away at the age of 72.
    Pictured here with @EricIdle in Nuns on the Run.#RobbieColtrane pic.twitter.com/sBNATlGpG7
    — Sandford Reed (@Smegheadreed) October 14, 2022
    In the ’80s, he appeared in a short-lived sketch series called Alfresco alongside powerhouses Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and Emma Thompson.

    Robbie reunited with Thompson on the six-part drama series Tutti Frutti, for which he earned his first best actor British Academy Television Award nomination. 

    He breathed his last in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland. The actor had been suffering from illness for the past two years. He also reportedly suffered from osteoarthritis.

    He was also appointed as an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the 2006 New Year Honours by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama.

    J K Rowling, the creator of the “Harry Potter” books on which the films are based, said the Scottish actor was “an incredible talent and a complete one-off.”

    Robbie is survived by his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell and two children, son Spencer and daughter Alice.

  • ‘Harry Potter’ team remembers Hagrid actor Robbie Coltrane: Incredible actor, friendly giant 

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Tom Felton are among the stars of “Harry Potter” films who paid tributes to the late veteran actor Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing the gentle half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the fantasy movie franchise.

    Coltrane died Friday at a hospital in his native Scotland, according to his agent Belinda Wright. He was 72.

    Radcliffe, who played the protagonist Harry Potter across all eight films, described the late actor as “a lovely man and an incredible actor”.

    “He 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.

    He was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up,” Radcliffe said in a statement to USA Today.

    The actor said he is saddened by Coltrane’s demise.

    “I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed,” Radcliffe added.

    It made sense for Coltrane to play Hagrid, a giant, as he could fill any space with his brilliance, said Watson on her Instagram Stories.

    The actor, who played Hermoine Granger in the films, said he was like “the most fun uncle” she ever had and she would never forget his compassionate and deeply caring nature towards her as a child and an adult.

    “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 Hermione,” Watson added.

    J K Rowling, the creator of the “Harry Potter” books on which the films are based, said the Scottish actor was “an incredible talent and a complete one-off”.

    “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. 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,” Rowling wrote on Twitter.

    Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell and his children Spencer and Alice.

    Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” movies, recounted one of his fondest memories of filming for a night shoot on the first film “The Philosopher’s Stone” in the Forbidden Forest when he was just 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 tweeted.

    Bonnie Wright, best known for playing Ginny Weasley, said she was “heartbroken” by Coltrane’s passing.

    “Hagrid was my favourite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home & unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly.

    Thanks for all the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family,” she wrote.

    James Phelps said he would miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun with the multifaceted Coltrane.

    James played Fred Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film series from 2001 to 2011, alongside his twin brother, Oliver Phelps who starred as George Weasley.

    “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,” James said in a tweet.

    Coltrane, whose real name was Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, Scotland, recently reunited with the cast and crew of “Harry Potter” during the filming of the “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise’s first film.

    The actor was in his early 20s when he began pursuing an acting career and renamed himself in honour of jazz musician John Coltrane.

    Besides “Harry Potter,” Coltrane was known for his performance in the 1990s British TV detective series “Cracker,” for which he won the best actor at the British Academy Television Awards three years in a row.

    He most recently starred in the 2016 miniseries “National Treasure.”

    His other screen credits include “Mona Lisa” (1986), Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of “Henry V” (1989), and “Nuns on the Run” (1990).

    Coltrane also played the role of a Russian crime boss in the James Bond thrillers “GoldenEye” and “The World is Not Enough”.

    James Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Coltrane’s passing is a “tragic loss to the world.”

    “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,” Wilson and Broccoli said in a statement shared on the official James Bond Twitter account.

    Eric Idle, his “Nuns on the Run” co-star, tweeted how he had been talking about Coltrane with friends, “wondering where he was,” when he learnt of his death.

    “Such a bright and brilliant man. A consummate actor, an extraordinarily funny comedian and an amazing actor.

    He was also a very good friend. I shall miss him very much,” Idle tweeted.

    Actor-filmmaker Stephen Fry, who first met Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago, said the actor will be “dreadfully missed.”

    “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,” Fry wrote on Twitter.

    LOS ANGELES: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Tom Felton are among the stars of “Harry Potter” films who paid tributes to the late veteran actor Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing the gentle half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the fantasy movie franchise.

    Coltrane died Friday at a hospital in his native Scotland, according to his agent Belinda Wright. He was 72.

    Radcliffe, who played the protagonist Harry Potter across all eight films, described the late actor as “a lovely man and an incredible actor”.

    “He 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.

    He was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up,” Radcliffe said in a statement to USA Today.

    The actor said he is saddened by Coltrane’s demise.

    “I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed,” Radcliffe added.

    It made sense for Coltrane to play Hagrid, a giant, as he could fill any space with his brilliance, said Watson on her Instagram Stories.

    The actor, who played Hermoine Granger in the films, said he was like “the most fun uncle” she ever had and she would never forget his compassionate and deeply caring nature towards her as a child and an adult.

    “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 Hermione,” Watson added.

    J K Rowling, the creator of the “Harry Potter” books on which the films are based, said the Scottish actor was “an incredible talent and a complete one-off”.

    “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. 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,” Rowling wrote on Twitter.

    Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell and his children Spencer and Alice.

    Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” movies, recounted one of his fondest memories of filming for a night shoot on the first film “The Philosopher’s Stone” in the Forbidden Forest when he was just 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 tweeted.

    Bonnie Wright, best known for playing Ginny Weasley, said she was “heartbroken” by Coltrane’s passing.

    “Hagrid was my favourite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home & unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly.

    Thanks for all the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family,” she wrote.

    James Phelps said he would miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun with the multifaceted Coltrane.

    James played Fred Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film series from 2001 to 2011, alongside his twin brother, Oliver Phelps who starred as George Weasley.

    “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,” James said in a tweet.

    Coltrane, whose real name was Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, Scotland, recently reunited with the cast and crew of “Harry Potter” during the filming of the “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise’s first film.

    The actor was in his early 20s when he began pursuing an acting career and renamed himself in honour of jazz musician John Coltrane.

    Besides “Harry Potter,” Coltrane was known for his performance in the 1990s British TV detective series “Cracker,” for which he won the best actor at the British Academy Television Awards three years in a row.

    He most recently starred in the 2016 miniseries “National Treasure.”

    His other screen credits include “Mona Lisa” (1986), Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of “Henry V” (1989), and “Nuns on the Run” (1990).

    Coltrane also played the role of a Russian crime boss in the James Bond thrillers “GoldenEye” and “The World is Not Enough”.

    James Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Coltrane’s passing is a “tragic loss to the world.”

    “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,” Wilson and Broccoli said in a statement shared on the official James Bond Twitter account.

    Eric Idle, his “Nuns on the Run” co-star, tweeted how he had been talking about Coltrane with friends, “wondering where he was,” when he learnt of his death.

    “Such a bright and brilliant man. A consummate actor, an extraordinarily funny comedian and an amazing actor.

    He was also a very good friend. I shall miss him very much,” Idle tweeted.

    Actor-filmmaker Stephen Fry, who first met Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago, said the actor will be “dreadfully missed.”

    “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,” Fry wrote on Twitter.

  • Harry Potter’s Hagrid, Robbie Coltrane, dies aged 72

    By AFP

    LONDON: Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 72, his agent said on Friday.

    “My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14,” Belinda Wright said in a statement, calling him “a unique talent”.

    Coltrane, who was born Anthony Robert McMillan on March 30, 1950, in Rutherglen, near Glasgow, forged a career as an actor, comedian and writer.

    On television, he starred alongside Emma Thompson in the cult BAFTA-winning BBC mini-series “Tutti Frutti” in 1987.

    He came to prominence and won more awards for his portrayal of the hard-drinking criminal psychologist Dr Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald in the ITV series “Cracker” (1993-2006).

    He was the English author and lexicographer Samuel Johnson in the TV comedy series “Blackadder the Third” alongside “Mr Bean” star Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie (“House”).

    On the big screen, he had roles in the 1987 Neil Jordan crime drama “Mona Lisa” and teamed up with former Monty Python star Eric Idle in the 1990 comedy “Nuns on the Run”.

    He also played a former KGB agent-turned-Russian mafia boss in two James Bond films — “Goldeneye” (1995) and “The World Is Not Enough” (1999) — with Pierce Brosnan.

    But he will best be remembered globally as Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant half-human gamekeeper and Keeper of the Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts school in the film franchise of JK Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter books.

    The role “brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years”, said Wright.

    She added: “For me personally I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client.

    “As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I shall miss him.”

    Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell.

    No cause of death was given but Wright thanked medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, central Scotland, “for their care and diplomacy”.

    LONDON: Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 72, his agent said on Friday.

    “My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14,” Belinda Wright said in a statement, calling him “a unique talent”.

    Coltrane, who was born Anthony Robert McMillan on March 30, 1950, in Rutherglen, near Glasgow, forged a career as an actor, comedian and writer.

    On television, he starred alongside Emma Thompson in the cult BAFTA-winning BBC mini-series “Tutti Frutti” in 1987.

    He came to prominence and won more awards for his portrayal of the hard-drinking criminal psychologist Dr Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald in the ITV series “Cracker” (1993-2006).

    He was the English author and lexicographer Samuel Johnson in the TV comedy series “Blackadder the Third” alongside “Mr Bean” star Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie (“House”).

    On the big screen, he had roles in the 1987 Neil Jordan crime drama “Mona Lisa” and teamed up with former Monty Python star Eric Idle in the 1990 comedy “Nuns on the Run”.

    He also played a former KGB agent-turned-Russian mafia boss in two James Bond films — “Goldeneye” (1995) and “The World Is Not Enough” (1999) — with Pierce Brosnan.

    But he will best be remembered globally as Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant half-human gamekeeper and Keeper of the Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts school in the film franchise of JK Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter books.

    The role “brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years”, said Wright.

    She added: “For me personally I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client.

    “As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I shall miss him.”

    Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell.

    No cause of death was given but Wright thanked medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, central Scotland, “for their care and diplomacy”.

  • Daniel Radcliffe says he will turn director soon

    By PTI

    LONDON: “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe says he plans to make his directing debut in a couple of years after he has honoured all his acting commitments.

    The English actor, best known for playing the boy wizard Harry Potter in the popular Warner Bros film franchise, also teased that he has already got a script in the works.

    “I’ve got an idea for something that I have written. I’m hopefully going to direct. It will be in a couple of years’ time, because the next 18 months at least are pretty much accounted for already,” Radcliffe told Empire magazine.

    The 32-year-old star, also known for his stage performances in “Equus” and “Privacy”, and TV series “Miracle Workers”, said the story of his film will be based on the film industry.

    “People always say, ‘Write what you know’. I’ve had a very unrelatable life, so I don’t want to write that. But I have found a way of writing something that is kind of connected to the film industry, about that,” he added.

    Radcliffe also said he would stay behind the camera for this particular project.

    “I would like to just direct, for two reasons — partly because I’ve never done it before, and I wouldn’t want to be thinking about both those things at the same time.

    “But more practically, because when you direct a film you have to watch that film a thousand times afterwards in the edit, and no part of me wants to watch my face that much. I’ll skip that,” he explained.

    The actor’s latest film release is “The Lost City”. Also starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt, the movie is slated to be released in UK cinemas on April 15.

    Radcliffe is next set to play ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic in the musician’s biopic.