Actor Robbie Coltrane, known for playing the much-loved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has passed away. He was 72. The actor died in a hospital in Falkirk, Scotland, but the official cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Coltrane had a four-decade-long acting career and received global acclaim for his portrayal of Hagrid. He appeared in all of the Harry Potter films, from Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) to Death Hallows – Part 2 (2011).
Robbie Coltrane Passes Away at 72
Coltrane’s agent Belinda Wright has confirmed the unfortunate news with a statement. She described the actor as a unique talent who “brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world” through his role as Hagrid.
“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,” she added.
Wright concluded by saying, “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.”
J.K. Rowling Pays Tribute
The author of the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling, has paid tribute to Coltrane with a tweet. “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was an incredible talent, a complete one off, and I was beyond fortunate to know him, work with him and laugh my head off with him. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children,” she wrote.
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon also expressed her grief and said, “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. Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend – you will be hugely missed. RIP.”
Stephen Fry, who starred with Coltrane in Alfresco, 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 Made his Screen Debut in 1983
While Robbie is famous across the globe for the Harry Potter films, he has also been a part of several hit TV shows and films. Born on 30 March 1950 in Rutherglen, Scotland, the actor made his screen debut with the sketch series Alfresco in 1983.
In 1987, he starred in BBC Scotland drama Tutti Frutti, which earned him his first Best Actor nomination at the British Academy Television Awards. Robbie also appeared in two James Bond films: GoldenEye in 1995 and The World Is Not Enough in 1999. After the Harry Potter franchise ended, he appeared in Channel 4 drama National Treasure in 2016, winning a number of Best Actor awards.
Robbie also featured in HBO Max’s Return to Hogwarts 20th anniversary special in January 2022, along with his former cast mates. “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children. So you could be watching it in 50-years time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will, yes,” he had said at the event.
Robbie Coltrane indeed made Hagrid immortal with his act. The beloved actor will be missed deeply.
