Harry Potter star Rupert Grint recently opened up about why he did not attend the funeral of his late co-star Robbie Coltrane. Grint shared that while he didn’t have a close personal relationship with Coltrane outside of their Potter films, the Hagrid actor remained a beloved mentor long after the franchise wrapped. Coltrane, who portrayed the lovable half-giant Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter movies, passed away in October 2022 at age 72. His death deeply impacted the franchise’s cast.

Why Didn’t Rupert Grint Go to the Funeral?

Rupert Grint in Harry Potter
Rupert Grint in Harry Potter

In an interview with GQ, Grint explained his reasoning for not being at Coltrane’s funeral. He didn’t really know him “outside of work,” Grint admitted. While viewing Coltrane as a family on set, their bond didn’t extend far beyond that.

Still, Rubert Grint emphasized that he continues to feel Coltrane’s loss deeply, calling it “particularly tough” and describing Robbie Coltrane as “the most wonderful being.” Instead of attending the funeral, Grint paid tribute to Coltrane in an emotional Instagram post.

 

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“No one else on this planet could of played Hagrid, only Robbie,” Grint wrote, praising Coltrane’s warmth, humor, and enormous heart. He added that Coltrane was “still looking out for us even decades later.”

Robbie Coltrane in Harry potter
Robbie Coltrane in Harry Potter

Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson also memorialized Coltrane with praise for his generous spirit and comedic talents that kept spirits up during long shoots.

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What Was Robbie Coltrane’s Bond With the Cast?

Rupert Grint via British GQ
Rupert Grint via British GQ

Coltrane shared many scenes throughout the films with young stars Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint. According to Radcliffe, Coltrane “used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set.” Watson emphasized Coltrane’s kindness, saying he was “deeply caring and compassionate” towards her younger self.

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Even as the cast grew up, Coltrane maintained a protective, family-like relationship. As Grint put it, he continued “looking out” for them in life beyond Potter. While his funeral was an intensely private affair, the outpouring of love from Coltrane’s costars has been a touching public tribute to this beloved actor.

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