J.K. Rowling has paid a heartfelt tribute to Rubeus Hagrid actor Robbie Coltrane who has passed away today (14 October) at the age of 72.
Taking to social media, she wrote: "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."
In a statement, agent Belinda Wright said: "My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14.
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"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.
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"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.
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"Please respect Robbie’s family’s privacy at this distressing time."
As expected, tributes have been pouring in, with Stephen Fry writing: "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'.
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"Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed."
James Phelps, who starred alongside Robbie Coltrane as Fred Weasley, tweeted: "I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun.
"And I’ll never forget in September 2000, Robbie Coltrane came over to a very nervous 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said ‘Enjoy it, you’ll be great’. Thank you for that."
Featured Image Credit: @jk_rowling/Twitter/Warner BrosTopics: Harry Potter, JK Rowling, TV and Film