Robbie Coltrane opened up about his incredibly close bond with Harry Potter stars that he called his children before his death.
It was announced that the actor, best known for playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, passed away aged 72.
In an interview, Robbie admitted that he was 'protective' over the children in Harry Potter and had a close relationship with them.
To mark the 20th anniversary of The Philosopher's Stone, Robbie did an interview with HBO where he said: "You've got to remember, when they first started they were about eight. I think the oldest of them was 11.
"Now they're big grown ups with their own lives. Grint's had a baby. Grint's now a father! It's just astonishing, the change. Watching them growing up was kind of like watching you own grow up, you know. Because you were protecting them."
He went on to say he was surprised at how 'fearless' the youngsters were when filming.
He said: "I was always astonished at how fearless they were. I remember walking into The Great Hall, and I've been doing this for 30 years, and I thought, 'Dear Lord! Woah, better get this one right'.
"I do have enormous happy memories of this actually."
Robbie's Harry Potter co-stars have paid tribute to the actor whose death was announced on Friday 14 October, 2022.
Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger, said: "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. Robbie, if I ever get to be so kind as you were to me on a film set I promise I’ll do it in your name and memory.
"Know how much I adore and admire you. 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."
Meanwhile, Daniel Radcliffe, who played the lead in the Harry Potter films, said: "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.
"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."
