Rupert Grint pays tribute to Hagrid actor and Harry Potter co-star Robbie Coltrane

‘Heartbroken’ Rupert Grint took to Instagram on Saturday to share a heartfelt tribute to his Harry Potter co-star Robbie Coltrane. 

The late actor, who portrayed gamekeeper Hagrid in the franchise, passed away at aged 72 on Friday 14 October – with a flurry of tributes now pouring in for the star. 

Ron Weasley actor Rupert, 34, mourned the loss of the ‘warm, compassionate and hilarious star’ and said he had still been ‘looking out for him’ decades after starring in the films together. 

Rupert penned: ‘Heartbroken to hear that Robbie is gone. I’ll never forget the smell of cigars and beard glue- a wonderful combination.

‘No one else on this planet could of played Hagrid, only Robbie.

‘Just as Hagrid was in the books and films Robbie was in life- warm, compassionate and hilarious. 

Close: The late actor, who portrayed gamekeeper Hagrid in the franchise, passed away at aged 72 on Friday 14 October – with a flurry of tributes now pouring in for the star (Robbie pictured with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert, Emma Watson and Alan Rickman)

‘A giant hearted man who was still looking out for us even decades later. Sending love to his family. See you on the other side Bobser.’

Other co-stars such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Tom Felton have also rushed to social media to extend their condolences and tributes, while Harry Potter author JK Rowling saluted the actor as ‘a complete one off’.

Coltrane’s agent Belinda Wright announced his death on Friday evening, describing the late actor as a ‘unique talent’ as she explained he had died earlier that day.

Tribute: Ron Weasley actor Rupert, 34, mourned the loss of the ‘warm, compassionate and hilarious star’ and said he had still been ‘looking out for him’ decades after starring in the films together

She added: ‘Please respect Robbie’s family’s privacy at this distressing time.’

While she explained: ‘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.

‘He is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell. They would like to thank the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and diplomacy.’ 

Back in the day: The pair starred alongside one another between 2001 and 2011 in the Harry Potter Franchise (L-R) Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane and Tom Felton pictured in 2002

Tragic: Coltrane’s agent Belinda Wright had announced his death on Friday evening, describing the late actor as a ‘unique talent’ as she explained he had died earlier that day 

Robbie was rumoured to have had serious health issues earlier this year after he was forced to pull out of London’s Comic Con in June due to medical reasons.

The Scottish star, whose real name is Anthony Robert McMillan, was best known for playing the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Hagrid and starring as criminal psychologist Dr Eddie ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald in the ITV drama. 

He was awarded an OBE for services to drama in the 2006 list of honours.

Career: The late actor pictured at the 1994 Bafta Awards alongside Helen Mirren, who he starred with in Cracker, at the Theatre Royal, London