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In 1997, writer J. K. Rowling introduced us to a new magical world and a young wizard named Harry Potter with her novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Philosopher would be changed to Sorcerer for the American audience, but that did not stop the books from taking off and creating one of the world’s most famous franchises.
Just four years after the first Harry Potter book was published, Universal released Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in theaters. The film starred Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy. The film also starred Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid — the loveable giant and groundskeeper at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Credit: Universal
Harry Potter became one of cinema’s most popular and successful franchises that a Wizarding World of Harry Potter exists at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Orlando Resort — where Guests can ride the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross to Hogwarts, crossing from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure.
Hagrid became such a popular character that, in 2019, the attraction Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort. Sadly, on October 14, it was announced that Robbie Coltrane had passed away at the age of 72.
Credit: Universal
Not long after the death was announced, Universal sent out a heartbreaking tweet to its followers.
See you next lesson.
See you next lesson. 🌂
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) October 14, 2022
The official Harry Potter film account also sent out a tweet, reminding fans that Harry himself believed there would be no Hogwarts without Hagrid.
“There’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.” – Harry Potter #HarryPotter #Hagrid #Hogwarts
"There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid." – Harry Potter #HarryPotter #Hagrid #Hogwarts pic.twitter.com/o5o73RmBOy
— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) October 13, 2014
In addition to the actor’s role as Rubeus Hagrid — which he reprised for all 7 subsequent films –, Coltraine also starred in James Bond films, including Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough. He also starred in the Hulu series National Treasure. Coltrane was born Anthony Robert McMillan on March 30, 1950, in Rutherglen, United Kingdom.
News of Coltrane’s death is still breaking, and no cause of death has been announced at this time.
