Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane dies aged 72
Robbie Coltrane has died aged 72.
The Harry Potter actor has sadly passed away today, 14 October, his agent confirmed.
The iconic actor, who portrayed Rubeus Hagrid in the franchise, died on Friday, according to his agent Belinda Wright.
In a statement, she shared the sad news: “My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14.
"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.
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“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."
Belinda then shared a personal tribute to the star, adding: “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."
Stephen Fry has paid tribute to Robbie's life, taking to Twitter on 14 October to write: “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.”
The pair starred in the comedy series Alfresco between 1983 and 1984.
Meanwhile, his agent explained that Robbie 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.”
Although Robbie was being treated at a hospital in Scotland prior to his death, the cause of his death has not currently been made public.
The actor was always extremely open about battling with osteoarthritis, a condition which causes joints to become painful and stiff.
He had been suffering with the condition, which is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, for many years. But rumours did not begin to circulate about his health until 2019, when he was pictured in a wheelchair.
However, in September 2020, he put a stop to the speculation, revealing: “I was fighting pain 24 hours a day when I was in National Treasure and Great Expectations.
“I had no cartilage in my knee. It was bone on bone," he said, explaining that he wouldn't wish the condition 'on [his] worst enemy.'
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Harry Potter, News, TV and Film
Gabriella Ferlita