Robbie Coltrane had heartbreaking message about legacy of playing Hagrid in Harry Potter films

Robbie Coltrane had a heartbreaking message about his lasting legacy as Hogwarts' groundskeeper Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.

The Scottish actor, who passed away today (14 October) at the age of 72, reflected on the iconic role in HBO Max's Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts.

The visibly emotional actor said in the documentary: "It's the end of an era. Ten years of my life. My children have grown up during it."

Coltrane added: "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 year's time, easily... I'll not be here, sadly... but Hagrid will, yes."

It wasn't just the actor who reflected on Hagrid in the franchise, so too did his younger co-stars – Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson – who praised Coltrane for being such a fun person to work with as they filmed at the studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

Harry Potter fans were also emotional after watching the actor get teary-eyed about playing Hagrid.

"I sobbed," one wrote. "Hagrid's always been a favourite of mine. Robbie Coltrane did such a beautiful job with his character."

A second added: "When Robbie Coltrane said 'I won't be around in 50 years but hagrid will be' #HarryPotter20thAnniversary [sic]."

"Anyone else find the Harry Potter thing quite moving?" wrote a third. "I love Robbie Coltrane."

HBO

News of Coltrane's death was confirmed by his agent, Belinda Wright.

She said in a statement: "My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14. 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.

"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."