Robbie Coltrane, actor who played Hagrid in Harry Potter, dies aged 72
Robbie Coltrane. File Picture: Flickr
Robbie Coltrane, the famous actor who played the much-loved role of Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies, has passed away aged 72.
The Scotsman also played memorable roles in James Bond, and the tv series Cracker.
He passed away in Larbert, Scotland, his agent confirmed.
Mr Coltrane's turn as Hagrid, the lovable groundskeeper in the Harry Potter movies, endeared him to a generation of young movie fans worldwide.
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 ITV’s crime drama Cracker.
His agent of 40 years Belinda Wright said Coltrane died on Friday and thanked the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, near Falkirk in Scotland for their “care and diplomacy”.
In a statement, she added: “Robbie was a unique talent, sharing the Guinness Book of Records’ Award for winning three consecutive Best Actor Baftas for his portrayal of Fitz in Granada TV’s series Cracker in 1994/1995/and 1996 with Sir Michael Gambon.
“He will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.
“A role which brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years.
“James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.
“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 to called his Agent, I shall miss him.”
Stephen Fry has also paid tribute to Mr Coltrane:
"I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago. I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed," he said this evening.
