REMEMBERING
Robbie Coltrane
as HAGRID
Robbie Coltrane, a veteran actor of TV and the silver screen, will be remembered best by generations of fans as playing Rubeus Hagrid in the film adaptations of the ‘Harry Potter’ books. Here are some fun facts that you might not know about the role.
Author J.K Rowling specifically requested Robbie be asked to play the Hogwarts Gamekeeper. She also specifically wanted Alan Rickman for Snape and Maggie Smith for McGonagall.
Director Chris Colombus, however, had originally wanted to cast Robin Williams as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, but Rowling insisted that all of the actors be British.
Robbie’s height was 6’1, making him far too short to play the half-giant character, who stands at around 11 feet tall. But movie magic did the trick – thanks forced perspective!
Out of the dozens of beloved characters, only 13 were in all 8 of the Harry Potter movies. Robbie’s Hagrid was one of them.
His last interview about Harry Potter was during the film’s 20th anniversary special, where he reunited with Emma Watson, Bonnie Wright, and more of the young stars. He had this to say of his legacy:
“The legacy of these movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children. “So, you could be watching them in 50 years time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly… But Hagrid will.”
Robbie Coltrane
Read Tributes From The Cast Of Harry Potter To Robbie Here:
Photos Courtesy of Adobe and Everett Collection.