Not to bury Robbie but to praise him
October 14, 2022 11:21 PM Subscribe
Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly Everybody knows him as Hagrid in the Harry Potter series. And we all love him, I mean some of you cranky bastrards are all "I hated him, he's the worst!" but you know that's a lie. He was beautiful and carried his pain with him as he tried to save his friends, small and large, the creatures around him. He was a police psychiatrist (well, maybe a psychologist) In the drama Cracker, that in some ways was a continuation of Hagrid, only this time he was trying to save people while punishing himself for not being better at it by drinking, smoking and gambling himself nearly to death.
Remember the time he played Samuel Johnson on Black Adder? So very good. Or his turns as a Bond villain? He had a good moment in a forgettable 90's heist flick, Oceans 12. Or an insane moment as a cyclops in the Young Ones. Hopefully I've missed some good links and you can add them. He's dead, I don't really care how. He was amazing to watch, comedy or drama.
Remember the time he played Samuel Johnson on Black Adder? So very good. Or his turns as a Bond villain? He had a good moment in a forgettable 90's heist flick, Oceans 12. Or an insane moment as a cyclops in the Young Ones. Hopefully I've missed some good links and you can add them. He's dead, I don't really care how. He was amazing to watch, comedy or drama.
I saw him once in London during his Cracker era, before he became wildly famous as Hagrid. I was too shy to say "Hi, you were great in Cracker!" to the huge, cranky-looking man dressed head-to-foot in black, and wearing shades on a cloudy day. He seemed to be projecting strong "Leave me TF alone" vibes.
Too late now.
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posted by faceplantingcheetah at 11:39 PM on October 14, 2022
Too late now.
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posted by faceplantingcheetah at 11:39 PM on October 14, 2022
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posted by talking leaf at 12:01 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by talking leaf at 12:01 AM on October 15, 2022
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posted by They sucked his brains out! at 12:23 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 12:23 AM on October 15, 2022
PSA: you can watch all of Coltrane's Planes and Automobiles on YouTube.
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posted by Trivia Newton John at 12:27 AM on October 15, 2022 [6 favorites]
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posted by Trivia Newton John at 12:27 AM on October 15, 2022 [6 favorites]
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posted by From Bklyn at 12:30 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by From Bklyn at 12:30 AM on October 15, 2022
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posted by crocomancer at 12:32 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by crocomancer at 12:32 AM on October 15, 2022
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posted by Faintdreams at 12:52 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by Faintdreams at 12:52 AM on October 15, 2022
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Robbie Coltrane was, by some distance, the most famous alumnus of the boarding school I attended in a Scottish glen. Certainly back at that time, it was a place for boys (only boys) and teachers who liked Latin verbs, rugger matches, hymns, the army, arcane rules, and genuflection towards aristocrat or millionaires. People who were pretty OK with bullying, drafts and conformity. Robbie left, changed his name and had absolutely nothing further to do with the place ever. Which I think says a lot that was great about him. But I do think of how the place helped mould his portrayal of Hagrid - the long serving grounds keeper who was both isolated in his cottage and fundamental to Hogwarts.
posted by rongorongo at 2:14 AM on October 15, 2022 [16 favorites]
Robbie Coltrane was, by some distance, the most famous alumnus of the boarding school I attended in a Scottish glen. Certainly back at that time, it was a place for boys (only boys) and teachers who liked Latin verbs, rugger matches, hymns, the army, arcane rules, and genuflection towards aristocrat or millionaires. People who were pretty OK with bullying, drafts and conformity. Robbie left, changed his name and had absolutely nothing further to do with the place ever. Which I think says a lot that was great about him. But I do think of how the place helped mould his portrayal of Hagrid - the long serving grounds keeper who was both isolated in his cottage and fundamental to Hogwarts.
posted by rongorongo at 2:14 AM on October 15, 2022 [16 favorites]
Not sure how Cracker could be a continuation of Hagrid given that it predated Harry Potter by 5 years.
Anyway he'll always be Dr Johnson in Blackadder to me.
RIP
posted by GallonOfAlan at 2:38 AM on October 15, 2022 [10 favorites]
Anyway he'll always be Dr Johnson in Blackadder to me.
RIP
posted by GallonOfAlan at 2:38 AM on October 15, 2022 [10 favorites]
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posted by cupcakeninja at 3:04 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by cupcakeninja at 3:04 AM on October 15, 2022
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posted by JustSayNoDawg at 3:10 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 3:10 AM on October 15, 2022
Miriam Margolyes on Radio 4 this morning (skip to 1:24)
Note: Contains a defence of J.K. Rowling and the f-word.
posted by Kiwi at 3:57 AM on October 15, 2022 [2 favorites]
Note: Contains a defence of J.K. Rowling and the f-word.
posted by Kiwi at 3:57 AM on October 15, 2022 [2 favorites]
He was a real renaissance man.Cracker is AMAZING tv.
Guardian Obit
has a LOT of nice color in it
Peter Bradshaw on Coltrane with clips
Robbie coltrane a life in pictures
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posted by lalochezia at 3:59 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
Guardian Obit
has a LOT of nice color in it
Peter Bradshaw on Coltrane with clips
Robbie coltrane a life in pictures
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posted by lalochezia at 3:59 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
I saw this notice on BBC World News earlier today and they had clips from other things... I'd have never matched those other roles up with his role as Hagrid. It's like I've seen him a few times before but never put 2+2 together. That's pretty good.
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posted by zengargoyle at 4:15 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
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posted by zengargoyle at 4:15 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
Robbie Coltrane's Sea Wall Walk from The Supergrass.
Probably needs context, but it's still an insane thing to do, possibly more than once.
posted by Grangousier at 4:25 AM on October 15, 2022 [3 favorites]
Probably needs context, but it's still an insane thing to do, possibly more than once.
posted by Grangousier at 4:25 AM on October 15, 2022 [3 favorites]
Just a small content warning: The "Cracker" link in the post goes to a scene where a man is sitting at the edge of the roof of a skyscraper, considering to jump.
posted by WalkingAround at 4:42 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by WalkingAround at 4:42 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
My first exposure to Coltrane was back in the early 90's when someone introduced me to Branagh's "Henry V", which remains one of my all time favorites. Shamefully, I really didn't know much about the Bard at the time, but I later discovered that the role of Falstaff was a pretty big damn deal in those circles. It's a testament to what Branagh saw in Coltrane, as he's wonderful in the role, as he was in everything he did.
And in conclusion: "Irina! Take a Hike!"
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 4:52 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
And in conclusion: "Irina! Take a Hike!"
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 4:52 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
Nuns on the Run Yes, it's a stupid little comedy where the main joke is two guys dressed as nuns, but it somehow works, probably due to Coltrane's commitment.
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posted by dannyboybell at 4:52 AM on October 15, 2022 [6 favorites]
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posted by dannyboybell at 4:52 AM on October 15, 2022 [6 favorites]
A year or two before Blackadder III Coltrane did 'Yr Obedient Servant', a one-man show about Samuel Johnson, at the Lyric Hammersmith in London. It was the first indication I'd had that the big funny man off the telly had serious range as an actor, and could hold a stage for an evening. Apparently Ben Elton and Richard Curtis saw it (though not the same evening I did), and a tiny bit of history was made.
posted by Hogshead at 5:54 AM on October 15, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by Hogshead at 5:54 AM on October 15, 2022 [3 favorites]
This is the Etheridges of obituary posts -- It has everything. I learned so much.about a person I hitherto knew nearly nothing. It made me appreciate the man, his face, his work. Now I must revise my movie queue. Thank you do much for this.
posted by y2karl at 6:50 AM on October 15, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by y2karl at 6:50 AM on October 15, 2022 [2 favorites]
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posted by cooker girl at 6:52 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by cooker girl at 6:52 AM on October 15, 2022
He was a brilliant actor who played a gentle giant who was a fierce protector of those most in need, but was himself cruel to the LGBTQ community. His talent will be missed.
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 7:09 AM on October 15, 2022 [12 favorites]
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 7:09 AM on October 15, 2022 [12 favorites]
He was a fine actor. Pity he chose to ally himself with Rowling's hateful transphobia.
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:13 AM on October 15, 2022 [18 favorites]
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:13 AM on October 15, 2022 [18 favorites]
A favourite line from Cracker:
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:14 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
Fitz : I drink too much, I smoke too much, I gamble too much. I am too much.For those of us who have heeded William Blake's line and have spent a long time travelling the road of excess to get to the palace of wisdom, Coltrane was a touchstone. Safe home.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:14 AM on October 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
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posted by Halloween Jack at 7:23 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by Halloween Jack at 7:23 AM on October 15, 2022
Not sure how Cracker could be a continuation of Hagrid given that it predated Harry Potter by 5 years.
Not to mention what Hagrid gets up to with Lily.
Loved Cracker. Loved Coltrane. Deeply disappointed with his nonsense lazy support of transphobia.
posted by dumbland at 7:25 AM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
Not to mention what Hagrid gets up to with Lily.
Loved Cracker. Loved Coltrane. Deeply disappointed with his nonsense lazy support of transphobia.
posted by dumbland at 7:25 AM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
Who could forget his turn playing Charles Bronson playing Ken Livingstone, who killed Jennifer Saunders playing Brigitte Nielsen playing Margaret Thatcher in GLC: The Carnage Continues. With a soundtrack specially composed and recorded by Kate Bush! Those were the days.
posted by jabah at 8:07 AM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by jabah at 8:07 AM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
While his performance as Hagrid will likely be the role he will be best remembered by for a lot of people, I somehow always think of his appearance as a bouncer outside Mike's roller disco (aka Rik's bedroom) from The Young Ones. I have seen him in so many things throughout my life, but for some reason, that is at the head of the queue for Robbie Coltrane performances in my head.
He was a great actor, and I am sorry that he was a terrible transphobe. I honestly didn't know that until someone pointed it out on Twitter yesterday. That is an awful disappointment.
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posted by Kitteh at 9:28 AM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
He was a great actor, and I am sorry that he was a terrible transphobe. I honestly didn't know that until someone pointed it out on Twitter yesterday. That is an awful disappointment.
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posted by Kitteh at 9:28 AM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
Ah, Robbie: the only famous person from Burnside. He grew up next door to my mum, and was explicitly forbidden to play with my uncle (5 years older) who was considered a "rough boy" by his douce parents. Much later he was a known terror on the narrow roads around Loch Lomond driving around at extreme speeds in large vintage American cars. As this likely coincided with his heavy drinking years, it's pretty amazing he made it to 72.
I remember his earlierTV work fondly: Alfresco (1983: with Siobhan Redmond, Emma Thompson, Fry, Laurie and Elton) and the perhaps ill-advised TV movie adaptation of the Wagner/Grant/Smith graphic novel The Bogie Man (1992: with Craig Ferguson and Midge Ure). For me, he was Mason Boyne: the comically bigoted orangeman from 1984's Laugh??? I Nearly Paid My Licence Fee.
posted by scruss at 9:43 AM on October 15, 2022 [3 favorites]
I remember his earlierTV work fondly: Alfresco (1983: with Siobhan Redmond, Emma Thompson, Fry, Laurie and Elton) and the perhaps ill-advised TV movie adaptation of the Wagner/Grant/Smith graphic novel The Bogie Man (1992: with Craig Ferguson and Midge Ure). For me, he was Mason Boyne: the comically bigoted orangeman from 1984's Laugh??? I Nearly Paid My Licence Fee.
posted by scruss at 9:43 AM on October 15, 2022 [3 favorites]
I hope it’s OK to spout memories: I used to ride with Robbie Coltrane between Manchester and London in his sort-of-restored MGA. I’d roll him cigarettes while he discoursed on the ways of the world, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or learned so much in my life. - Hugh Laurie @hughlaurie
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:04 AM on October 15, 2022 [7 favorites]
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:04 AM on October 15, 2022 [7 favorites]
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posted by Frayed Knot at 10:13 AM on October 15, 2022
posted by Frayed Knot at 10:13 AM on October 15, 2022
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posted by JoeXIII007 at 8:13 PM on October 15, 2022
posted by JoeXIII007 at 8:13 PM on October 15, 2022
Wish he'd learned not to be a transphobe before he kicked it. Such a shame there's so many talented folks with garbage opinions out there. I'm sure I'll feel similarly conflicted when Orson Scott Card leaves this earth.
Never seen the Harry Potter movies, but his turn on Blackadder was memorable.
posted by signsofrain at 8:14 PM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
Never seen the Harry Potter movies, but his turn on Blackadder was memorable.
posted by signsofrain at 8:14 PM on October 15, 2022 [4 favorites]
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posted by Joey Michaels at 12:53 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:53 AM on October 16, 2022
I once made a friend based on our love of Coltrane. I was always fond of Cracker, but I especially loved him in the Comic Strip parody of my once and future fandom, the 1977 UK series The Professionals. He was hilarious.
I actively loathe anything related to fucking Harry Potter, but I'm really sad to hear about the Rowling stuff. Bleh. It's making me feel really conflicted.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 12:57 PM on October 16, 2022
I actively loathe anything related to fucking Harry Potter, but I'm really sad to hear about the Rowling stuff. Bleh. It's making me feel really conflicted.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 12:57 PM on October 16, 2022
Young mustachio'd thug in Krull!
and he did a version of the monty python chocolate maker sketch with lenny henry in one of the stage shows.
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shame about the HP angle
posted by hearthpig at 5:36 PM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
and he did a version of the monty python chocolate maker sketch with lenny henry in one of the stage shows.
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shame about the HP angle
posted by hearthpig at 5:36 PM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Cracker showed you can be great and terrible at the same time, so... yeah.
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posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:51 PM on October 16, 2022
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posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:51 PM on October 16, 2022
I came in to mention his role in Krull, which I recently re-watched.
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posted by Gelatin at 4:49 AM on October 17, 2022
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posted by Gelatin at 4:49 AM on October 17, 2022
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