Hugh Laurie and the James Bond producers are among the movie and TV stars who paid tribute to the “exceptional” Robbie Coltrane after his death at the age of 72.
The Scottish actor has starred in a number of classic British franchises and shows throughout his career, including 007, Blackadder and Harry Potter, where he played the role of beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
An outpouring of messages and fond memories was shared on social media following news of her 40-year agent, Belinda Wright, announcing that Coltrane had died on Friday.
Laurie, who starred opposite Coltrane in the vintage sitcom Blackadder and the Alfresco sketch series, recalled fond memories of her time with the actor.
“I hope it’s okay to make memories: I used to drive with Robbie Coltrane between Manchester and London in his restored MGA of sorts,” Laurie tweeted.
“I’d roll his cigarettes while he talked about the ways of the world, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or learned so much in my life.”
Fellow Blackadder star Tony Robinson described him as “such a sweet man” and “so talented as a straight comedian.”
He added in a Twitter post: “’Dictionary’ was my all time favorite Adder episode and it was all about your friend. Rest well x “
Among Coltrane’s plethora of starring roles was an appearance in the Bond films GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough as KGB man Valentin Zukovsky alongside Pierce Brosnan’s 007.
Long-term producers of the franchise, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, have described the actor’s death as a “tragic loss to the world”.
In a joint Twitter post, they added: “He was an outstanding actor whose talent knew no bounds.
“He was loved by Bond audiences as Valentin Zukovsky in GOLDENEYE AND THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH as well as by millions of people who have seen him in his many roles.
“We will miss him as a dear friend. Rest in peace Robbie. “
The Harry Potter stars were also among those who fondly remembered their time with Coltrane.
Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the fantasy series, described Coltrane as “a giant, in more ways than one”.
“Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love for the final frontier, ”Lewis wrote in a Twitter post.
“He didn’t give a shit and he always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. We have had times x “
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, said she was heartbroken by the news of Coltrane’s death.
He added in his Twitter post: “Hagrid was my favorite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid’s warmth, sense of home, and unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly.
“Thanks for all the laughs. I miss you Robbie. Send love to your family ”.
James Phelps, who played his brother Fred Weasley in the movies, recalled his earliest memory of the actor as he paid tribute to him.
“I will miss the random chats on all topics under the sun,” Phelps tweeted.
“And I’ll never forget that in September 2000 Robbie Coltrane walked up to a very nervous 14 year old boy on my first ever day on a movie set and said ‘Have fun, you’re going to be awesome.’ Thank you for this.”
His twin brother Oliver, who starred alongside him as George Weasley, recalled a sweet reminder of their Harry Potter premiere in London in 2001 when Coltrane told them, “Dive in here guys, it’s like a Rolls-Royce to the world. your first car ‘! “
Phelps added: “Over the years we have had some great chats about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x “
Sir Lenny Henry, who voiced Dre Head in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, tweeted: “This is terrible news. Rob was the real thing. Condolences to his family. Great love great friend xxx “
The official Twitter account of the Harry Potter films also described Coltrane as a “wonderful actor”.
Sharing a photo of him dressed as beloved Hagrid on Twitter, they wrote: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humor in the Harry Potter films.
“He was a wonderful actor, a friend to everyone and we will miss him deeply.”
Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo also said he had an “extraordinary time” working with Coltrane on the 2008 film The Brothers Bloom.
Glasgow School of Art’s creative network manager Sam de Santis also paid tribute to “much loved” Coltrane, who attended art school as a young actor.
In a statement, he said: “We are all saddened to learn the news of Robbie Coltrane’s death. He is a much loved GSA alumni who will be missed by all of us.
“Although he is internationally known for his acting career, Robbie embodied how studying at an art school opens up a myriad of opportunities to realize creative potential.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Coltrane was also known for his roles as a criminal psychologist, Dr. Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald, in the ITV drama Cracker.
The role secured him the Bafta Award for Best Actor for three consecutive years from 1994 to 1996.
The Bafta’s official Twitter account also reflected on his award-winning career, tweeting: “We are devastated to learn of the death of Robbie Coltrane, an exceptionally talented actor who has won two BAFTA Scotland Awards for cinema and three consecutive BAFTAs for film. his interpretations in Cracker. Our thoughts are with his family “.
He also starred opposite Laurie, Stephen Fry and Dame Emma Thompson in the Alfresco sketch series from 1983 to 1984, and reunited with Dame Emma for the BBC miniseries Tutti Frutti where he played Big Jazza, for which he received the his first Bafta nomination.