RIP to an absolute legend.
If you’re reading this chances are you’ve either read the Harry Potter books or seen the movies, because the JK Rowling series created a tidal wave when it hit the US way back in 1997.
My personal favorite book was Prisoner of Azkaban, mainly due to the heavy focus the Forbbiden Forest, which both absolutely enthralled and terrified me as a reader.
There seemed to be only one character that wasn’t afraid of the dark woods. A fierce and lovable half-giant who guarded the edge of the woodline and was the first magical person Harry, Rubeus Hagrid. And while I will never say the movies are better than the books, one character that really held up between the pages and the big screen was Hagrid, played by Robbie Coltrane.
Unfortunately, the news broke earlier today that Robbie has passed away at 72 years old. He hadn’t been actively acting due too poor health, however his agent said his death was not immediately apparent, so it comes as a slight surprise.
Tributes poured in from all over the Harry Potter world to celebrate his life and legacy.
This one hurts.
Like so many other young kids at the time, I was completely sucked into the Harry Potter series and adored Hagrid and no one could have played him in the movies as well as Robbie Coltrane did.
Robbie’s legacy will live, there’s no doubt of that.
But as Harry Potter said while giving Hagrid a hug near the end of Chamber of Secrets.
“There’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.”
Rest in Peace, Robbie Coltrane.
