Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis has paid tribute to the late Rob Burrow in an emotional post.
The actor, best known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Wizarding franchise, wrote that the world is “a little less smart, a little less optimistic” without the rugby player.
It was announced on Sunday that the rugby league star died ‘peacefully’ in hospital aged 41, five years after being diagnosed with the neurological condition MND.
Matthew was a good friend of Rob’s and even narrated the audiobook version of Burrow’s autobiography, Too Many Reasons To Live in 2021.
Take to Tweet, Matthew wrote, “It took a few days to think about what to say about Rob. I think everyone knows by now what kind of man he was. The talent. The courage. The kindness.
Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friend Rob Burrow on Tuesday, just days after the rugby player’s death.
It was announced on Sunday that the rugby league star died ‘peacefully’ in hospital at the age of 41, five years after he was diagnosed with the neurological condition MND.
‘As a boy I saw him play. He was lucky to be his friend. And had the pleasure of spending time with him and his beautiful family. Knowing him was one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
Discussing the possibility of being involved with his memoirs, he added: “To express his autobiography is the most undeserved honor.
‘A world without Rob is a little less rosy, a little less optimistic. But his legacy will be as great as he was.
‘The Rob Burrow Center for MND will be built. And it will be the beginning of the end for this disease. Please consider donating below. Overcome adversity, forever. I love you man x’
Matthew’s family and friends also expressed their condolences when commenting on the heartfelt post.
They wrote: ‘Incredible words Matt, so sad for Rob’s family and Kev, you must be devastated too and you are all in my thoughts;’
‘Beautiful words Matthew and sorry for the loss of such a legendary friend;’ “I’m listening to you talk about his book right now. It’s still so hard to process. May he rest in eternal peace. Cuddly toys;’
Meanwhile, Cat Deeley burst into tears as she watched a tribute video dedicated to Rob on This Morning on Tuesday.
The actor, best known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Wizarding franchise, wrote that the world is “a little less smart, a little less optimistic” without the rugby player.
Matthew was a good friend of Rob’s and even narrated the audiobook version of Burrow’s autobiography, Too Many Reasons To Live in 2021
Matthew’s family and friends also expressed their condolences when commenting on the heartfelt post
The TV presenter and her co-host Ben Shephard were joined by Agony aunt Deidre to speak about the grief following the tragic news of Rob’s death.
Cat told This Morning viewers: ‘Just a quick word about our phone. Yesterday we spoke about the devastating news that former England rugby league player Rob Burrow passed away peacefully this weekend at the age of 41 after a battle with motor neurone disease.’
Ben said: ‘Last night his family released a very moving message from Rob, recorded before he passed, let’s take a look.’
After the heartbreaking video played, Cat broke down and started crying as she barely controlled her anger and tried to hold back her tears.
Offering his co-star some support, Ben asked, “Are you okay?”
Cat shook her head sadly and said, “No, I told you I looked at it this morning.”
Her voice cracking with emotion, Cat tried to read her next lines on the teleprompter and continue the show.
Cat Deeley burst into tears as she watched an emotional tribute video dedicated to rugby star Rob Burrow on This Morning on Tuesday
He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career (pictured with his friend Kevin Sinfield)
Tearfully, she said: “Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we will ever experience, which is why Deirdre is here to help you process your grief today.”
Rob has sadly passed away after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease, Leeds Rhinos announced.
He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.
Rob passed away peacefully at Pinderfield’s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after becoming seriously ill earlier this week.