Tom Felton pays tribute to 'big friendly giant' Robbie Coltrane
Topics: Harry Potter, Celebrity
Ali Condon
Featured Image Credit: @t22felton/Instagram/PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Harry Potter, Celebrity
Tom Felton has paid tribute to his late friend and Harry Potter co-star Robbie Coltrane, following his passing on Friday.
The legendary actor, who was best known for his role as Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid died on Friday (14 October) at the age of 72.
Tom, 35, was among the many who took to social media to remember the 'big friendly giant' who always 'looked after everyone around him'.
Posting a throwback photo of Robbie standing behind a baby-faced Tom, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint - each with their copy of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone DVD - Tom shared one of his 'fondest memories' with the late actor.
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"One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest. I was 12", the Draco Malfoy actor wrote.
"Robbie cared & looked after everyone around of 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 xx."
Meanwhile, Daniel Radcliffe issued a statement of his own, remembering Robbie as 'one of the funniest people [he has] met' who worked wonders to 'keep morale up' during the more difficult moments on-set.
"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", he wrote.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Potter films, also described Robbie as 'the most fun uncle' she had ever had.
"He was deeply caring and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult. His talent was so immense that it made sense he played a giant - he could fill ANY space with his brilliance", she wrote in a post shared to her Instagram Story.
"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 Hermoine."
Robbie's agent Belinda Wright confirmed the news of his passing on Friday, in a statement that read: “My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14.
"Robbie was a unique talent, sharing the Guinness Book of Records’ Award for winning three consecutive Best Actor Baftas for his portrayal of Fitz in Granada TV’s series Cracker in 1994, 1995 and 1996 with Sir Michael Gambon.
“He will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, a role which brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years.
“James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.
“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.
“He is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell. They would like to thank the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and diplomacy."