Emma Watson Honors Robbie Coltrane As a Friend and For His Role As Hagrid

Actor Robbie Coltrane passed away this week at the age of 72, devastating fans of the Harry Potter franchise. Coltrane passed away in a hospital close to his home in Scotland, Deadline reported and he “had been in ill health for the past two years.” The late actor played the iconic Hagrid, the bearded, lovable gamekeeper at Hogwarts who guided the Potter gang through many adventures. While he was lovingly remembered by fans, the tributes from his co-stars are particularly heart rending.

Emma Watson posted on Friday about Coltrane, sharing a photo of the two of them sharing a conversation.

“Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had but most of all he was deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult,” she said. “His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant — he could fill ANY space with his brilliance.”

She continued, “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,” Watson concluded. “You made it a joy to be Hermione.”

Daniel Radcliffe also released a statement Friday, saying how he felt “incredibly lucky” to have worked Coltrane.

“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” said Radcliffe. “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 and he was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up.”

He continued, “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.”

Tom Felton, who portrayed series villain Draco Malfoy, wrote in a tribute, “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. He was a big friendly giant on screen but even more so In real life. Love you mate — thank you for everything xx.”