Tag: Robbie Coltrane

  • ‘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”.