Universal Orlando Resort Releases Statement on ‘Harry Potter’ Actor’s Death

It is a sad day over in Disney World’s rival Parks, as well as one for all Harry Potter fans. Robbie Coltrane, the man who brought JK Rowling’s Half-Giant Rubeus Hagrid off the page and onto the screen, has passed away. He was 72 years old.

Universal Orlando Resort tweeted its reaction to the news, saying:

“The Universal Parks & Resorts family is greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Robbie Coltrane. We raise our wants and salute this incredibly talented actor who brought so much heart and laughter to the beloved Rubeus Hagrid. You will forever be in our hearts.”

The Universal Parks & Resorts family is greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Robbie Coltrane. We raise our wands and salute this incredibly talented actor who brought so much heart and laughter to the beloved Rubeus Hagrid. You will forever be in our hearts.

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) October 14, 2022

For over a decade, the British actor personified the Gameskeeper of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, appearing in all eight Harry Potter films. And Hagrid is a prominent figure inside the Hogsmede section of Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Those who ride the Hogwarts Express will find him at the station to greet you, and Guests get to hop aboard his iconic flying motorcycle for a roller coaster ride appropriately named “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.”

Universal describes this attraction on its website as the following:

Join Hagrid and Fly into the Forbidden Forest.

Now’s the time to join Hagrid™ as you fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts™ castle, on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures. Experience Universal’s most highly themed, immersive coaster—only at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Related: What if Disney Owned Harry Potter?

Universal Orlando Resort features two Harry Potter-themed lands: Hogsmede in Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. A third Wizarding World area featuring the Ministry of Magic and the spinoff Fantastic Beasts franchise is in the process of being built now at Universal’s Epic Universe Park.