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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Robbie Coltrane says 'I'll not be here, but Hagrid will' in moving interview before death

Tears came to Robbie Coltrane's eyes as he discussed the legacy of the Harry Potter movie, describing how his famous character Hagrid will live on after him.

Robbie, who starred as games keeper and half giant Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise, died on Friday at the age of 72.

The Cracker actor's death prompted an outpouring of tributes, including from his Harry Potter co-stars, with Daniel Radcliffe, who played the young wizard, describing him as "one of the funniest people" and an "incredible actor and lovely man."

In the TV special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return To Hogwarts, released in January this year, Robbie discusses the last impact of the magical movies.

With tears visible in his eyes, the screen legend said: "It's the end of an era. Ten years of my life. My children have grown up during it, of course."

Clips then played of Robbie's last day filming as the loveable Hagrid, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Robbie then said: "The legacy of the movies is that my children's generation will show them to their children... So you could be watching it in 50 years time, easily... I'll not be here, sadly... but Hagrid will, yes."

Many fans of the actor took to Twitter to share that clip of Robbie from the reunion, and their sadness over his death.

In a statement, his agent, Belinda Wright paid tribute as she announced Robbie's death.

In it, the actor's family thanked Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Scotland where he spent his final days.

Robbie's agent said: "Robbie was a unique talent, sharing the Guinness Book of Records’ Award for winning three consecutive Best Actor Baftas for his portrayal of Fitz in Granada TV’s series Cracker in 1994, 1995 and 1996 with Sir Michael Gambon.

Robbie with the lead trio in the Harry Potter movies in 2003: Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson (PA)

"He will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, a role which brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years.

"James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.

"For me personally I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client. As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I shall miss him.

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movie, described Robbie as "like the most fun uncle I've ever had", but most of all was "deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult."

She finished: 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. You made it a joy to be Hermione."

Robbie is survived by his sister, his two children and their mother. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.

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