Robbie Coltrane dies aged 72: Tributes flood in for ‘unique talent’ who starred in Harry Potter

Harry Potter and Cracker actor Robbie Coltrane has died aged 72, his agent has said. 

Mr Coltrane played Hagrid in the eight-movie series. 

The actor, previously known as Athony Robert McMillan, was awarded an OBE and has appeared in many films and TV shows besides the Harry Potter franchise. 

He was one of the UK’s most-loved comedians before turning to acting and landing his big break playing Fitz in Cracker. 

Robbie Coltrane’s agent Belinda Wright said the 72-year-old Harry Potter star died on Friday.

‘Please respect Robbie’s family’s privacy at this distressing time.’

Robbie Coltrane has died at the age of 72, his agent has announced

Coltrane played Hagrid, the Hogwarts Gamekeeper, in all eight of the Harry Potter films

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In a statement, she said: ‘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.

‘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.

‘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.’

Coltrane was born Anthony Robert McMillan on March 30, 1950, in Rutherglen, a suburb of Glasgow, Scotland.

He studied art at Glasgow Art College and made his acting debut as a 12-year-old on stage as Henry V. 

He made his screen debut in Death Watch in 1980, before going on to perform in comic movies including The Supergrass (1985) and The Pope Must Diet (1991).

He also appeared in two Bond movies, Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough in the 1990s, starring as a former KGB agent-turned mafia lord. 

This story is being updated.