Last picture: Robbie Coltrane chats with Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson months before his death

The last picture of Robbie Coltrane, shot months before his death at age 72, shows an intimate moment with his Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson.

Pictured at an event to mark the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special, the stars can be seen engaged in conversation, looking tenderly into each other’s eyes. 

The Scottish star, who died aged 72 yesterday, was best known for playing the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Hagrid and starring as criminal psychologist Dr Eddie ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald in the 90s ITV drama.

The last picture of Robbie Coltrane, shot months before his death at age 72, shows an intimate moment with his Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson

While his death was largely unexpected, Coltrane, whose real name was Anthony Robert McMilan, had previously spoken about his health issues, saying that in his latter years he was ‘fighting pain 24 hours a day’.

The actor openly addressed that he suffered from osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis in the UK. 

He said previously about a particularly painful period when working in National Treasure and Great Expectations: ‘I had no cartilage in my knee. It was bone on bone.’

‘I wouldn’t wish such pain on my worst enemy. It was just horrible.’

Coltrane also addressed his life-changing knee replacement operation amid a weight loss journey back in 2016.

He explained that doctors discovered he had ‘no cartilage left in one of my knees’ which contributed to the pain.

Coltrane, whose real name was Anthony Robert McMilan, had previously spoken about his health issues, saying that in his latter years he was ‘fighting pain 24 hours a day’

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The actor openly addressed that he suffered from osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis in the UK

‘It’s completely disintegrated. And they told me it’s osteoarthritis,’ he added to the Daily Star newspaper.

‘People are probably wondering why I’m hobbling about in the way I am and that is why,’ he added.

Osteoarthritis is one of more than 100 different forms of arthritis.

According to the NHS website, the main symptoms of the condition are joint pain and stiffness as well as problems moving the joint.

Symptoms can also include; swelling, tenderness and hearing a grating or crackling sound when moving the affected joints.

In 2019, he was pictured using a wheelchair for the first time at a Harry Potter event, where he told fans he was waiting to have his knee replacement done. 

Emma Watson, who played alongside Coltrane as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series took to Instagram to share a tribute to her late co-star.

Emma Watson, who played alongside Coltrane as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series took to Instagram to share a tribute to her late co-star

Sharing their last picture together – notably now Coltrane’s last public photo – she said: ‘Rest in peace, Robbie Coltrane.

‘Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had but most of all he was deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult.

‘His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance.

‘Robbie, if I ever get to be so kind as you were to me on a film set I promise I’ll do it in your name and memory.

‘Know how much I adore and admire you. I’ll really miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs and your hugs.

‘You made us a family. Know you were that to us.

‘Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had but most of all he was deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult’, Watson said

‘There was no better Hagrid. You made it a joy to be Hermione.’  

Harry Potter co-star Miriam Margolyes also paid tribute to Coltrane today – although she criticised his love of drinking and weight as potential lifestyle choices that could’ve cut his life short.  

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today Programme this morning, she admitted: ‘I didn’t know he was ill. He just put on too much weight, stupid boy!’

‘That’s the problem, he loved to drink. I used to wag my finger at him.

‘It’s such a waste to think of all that talent, that fire, he acted with passion. He was really wonderful.’ 

Despite her disapproval of the late actor’s lifestyle choices, the comedian praised his character, noting ‘he had a heart of gold’.

She added: ‘Huge in stature, in personality, in heart. He was exceptional.’