We Raise Our Wands; A Legend is Dead

Gianmarco Quinzi 
Staff Writer 
  On October 14, 2022, the cinematic world lost a big star. At age 72, Robbie Coltrane, known for playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, died after battling health issues for some time. Rubeus Hagrid made his first appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, which was released in November 2001. The behemoth wizard was known for his kindness, advice, and ability to make everyone feel included. The entire Harry Potter cast had something to say about his passing.
  Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, wrote on Twitter, "Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier. He didn't [care] and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one.” Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, wrote on her Instagram story, "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. His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant — he could fill ANY space with his brilliance." Ms. Watson shared these deep words as someone who experienced Robbie as not just a mentor,but also a friend.
  Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling tweeted a photo of herself holding hands with Coltrane and wrote, "I'll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was an incredible talent, a complete one off, and I was beyond fortunate to know him, work with him and laugh my head off with him. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children." It's clear Robbie was kind to everyone.
  Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe shared a heartfelt tribute to his late castmate. “Robbie was one of the funniest people I've met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set. 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," Radcliffe said. "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.” He could make anyone laugh to clear their minds of too much work.
  In one of his interviews, Coltrane said, “The legacy of the movie is that my children’s generation will show them to their children so you could be watching in 50 years time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will.” The world is so lucky to have a piece of Coltrane immortalized through his brilliant role as Hagrid.