Over the weekend, it was announced that the Harry Potter stalwart Robbie Coltrane had died. The Scottish star had enchanted childhoods around the world as Hagrid, the half-giant, in the Wizarding World franchise. But long before he was working alongside the likes of Alan Rickman and Daniel Radcliffe, he had been involved in the James Bond franchise.
Coltrane played Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in two James Bond films: 1995’s GoldenEye and 1999’s The World is Not Enough.
His character was a former KGB agent turned Russian Mafia boss who frequently worked as a source for 007. In these two thrilling movies, he worked opposite Pierce Brosnan who played the secret agent at the time.
Upon hearing about Coltrane’s sudden death, Brosnan posted a large tribute on his Instagram account to honour his friend and colleague.
He posted an image of Coltrane in the Bond series and wrote: “Im so sorry to hear the news of my dear friend Robbie Coltranes passing.” (sic)
Brosnan went on: “We had so many good laughs through out our days making the James Bond movies. ‘Goldeneye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’ …the second photo is from our first days shoot on ‘Goldeneye’ at Leavesdon studios. I cannot think of a finer actor and man of humanity and humor to share the world stage with on such a day as that so many years ago. My sincere condolences, prayers love and respect to the family.” (sic)
The British actor worked with Coltrane on the two Bond movies, and didn’t cross paths with him again professionally after that.
He was not the only person from the 007 franchise to speak out and honour the 72-year-old actor.
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The 72-year-old had reportedly been ill in the two years leading up to his death.
News of his passing prompted many of the original Harry Potter actors to tell stories about the kindness he gave them while shooting the fantasy movies.
The actor who played Draco Malfoy, Tom Felton, recalled: “One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest. I was 12. Robbie cared [and] looked after everyone around of him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly.” (sic)
He added: “He was a big friendly giant on screen but even more so In real life. Love you mate – thank you for everything xx”
The author of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling, also spoke out about the actor.
She posted a photo of them together at a dinner, and added the caption: “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.”
She added: “I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children.”
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