Renowned Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane has died at 72, his agent, Belinda Wright, confirmed to POPSUGAR on Oct. 14. The actor and comedian, best known for his iconic role as Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, had been in poor health for the past two years.
As the half-giant, half-wizard, Coltrane won the hearts of millions of fans who remember him as the kind-hearted and lovable groundskeeper at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. “[Robbie] brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years,” Wright said. “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.”
In addition to his unforgettable role in the fantasy series, Coltrane was also well known for his roles as Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in the James Bond films “GoldenEye” (1995) and “The World Is Not Enough” (1999). From 1993-1996, he also appeared as Dr. Edward Fitz in a British crime drama series called “Cracker,” which won him three BAFTA awards, an achievement matched only by fellow Harry Potter alum Michael Gambon. Coltrane’s other memorable projects include “Nuns on the Run” (1990), “Mona Lisa” (1986), and “Ocean’s 12” (2004).
In 2006, the actor was appointed an OBE for his services to drama in the New Year Honors by Queen Elizabeth II.
In a tribute tweet posted by Stephen Fry on Friday, the actor wrote, “Such depth, power and talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups and honking as we made our first TV show Alfresco. Farewell, old fellow, you’ll be so dreadfully missed.”
Coltrane is survived by his sister, Annie Rae; his children, Spencer and Alice; and his children’s mother, Rhona Gemmell. “They would like to thank the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and diplomacy,” Wright added. “Please respect Robbie’s family’s privacy at this distressing time.”
