Robbie Coltrane has died aged 72

Virgin Radio

14 Oct 2022, 18:21

The beloved actor played Hagrid in the 'Harry Potter' movies.

Robbie Coltrane - real name Anthony Robert McMillan - who starred in ITV detective drama Cracker and the James Bond films Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough - has died aged 72.

His portrayal of the criminal psychologist Dr Eddie 'Fitz' Fitzgerald in the ITV series secured him the Bafta award for best actor for three consecutive years from 1994 to 1996.

He was made an OBE in the 2006 New Year's honours list and it was his portrayal of the kindly Hagrid for which he'll be best remembered.

In a statement, his agent Belinda Wright confirmed the actor died in hospital near Falkirk in Scotland.

Wright described Coltrane as a "unique talent", adding his role as Hagrid "brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world".

She continued; "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.

"Please respect Robbie's family's privacy at this distressing time."

Coltrane's Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe paid tribute. “Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” he said in a statement. “I’ve especially fond memories of him keeping our spirits up on ‘Prisoner of Azkaban,’ when we were all hiding from the torrential rain for hours in Hagrid’s hut and he was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up. I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.”

Harry Potter author JK Rowling also paid her tributes to the Rutherglen born actor, describing Coltrane as an "incredible talent".

The actor is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell.

Also amongst those to pay their respect were actor Stephen Fry, who tweeted: "Such depth, power and talent. Farewell, old fellow, you'll be so dreadfully missed."

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon described Coltrane's death as "very sad news". 

"He had such range and depth as an actor, from brilliant comedy to hard-edged drama. I think my favourite of all his roles was Fitz in Cracker," she continued.

"Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend - you will be hugely missed. RIP."

We couldn't put it better ourselves.