The Scottish actor was “forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty,” his agent said.
According to his managers, senior Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane passed away on Friday. Coltrane was best known for playing the half-giant dragon-lover Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” film series.
He was 72.
We received confirmation of his passing from a William Morris Endeavor representative, who explained that Coltrane had been unwell and had not been active recently.
The “Harry Potter” movie series released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart, and humor in the Harry Potter films.” He was a great actor and a friend to everyone. He will be sorely missed.
We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films. He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/n1IshfFG6y
— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) October 14, 2022
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in all seven of the series’ films, had nothing but positive things to say about his interactions with Coltrane. Even in the dead of night, Coltrane was known for keeping things lighthearted.
In a statement, Radcliffe recalled how Robbie “used to keep us as kids on the set constantly laughing” and was “one of the funniest people I’ve met.”
“On Prisoner of Azkaban, when we were all cooped up in Hagrid’s hut for hours in the pouring rain, he was especially adept at boosting our spirits. He was telling stories and cracking jokes to lighten the mood.”
Radcliffe went on to say “I count it a great privilege to have known him and worked with him, and I’m heartbroken by his passing. He was a great man and a standout performer.”
James Phelps, a fellow “Harry Potter” actor who played one of the Weasely twins, recalled being a nervous 14-year-old when he first showed up on the set in September 2000.
When Phelps first met Coltrane, the veteran actor reportedly told him, “Enjoy it; you’ll be great,” according to Phelps.
The actor tweeted, “Thank you for that.
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 x
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) October 14, 2022
J.K. Rowling, the author of the “Potter” series, claimed that Coltrane was a unique talent who always made going to work enjoyable.
She said, “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was a unique talent, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have known him, worked with him and laughed wildly with him.
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. pic.twitter.com/tzpln8hD9z
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 14, 2022
Coltrane’s cause of death wasn’t immediately disclosed. However, his agent Belinda Wright thanked the staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for its care.
Wright said, “I shall remember him as a timelessly loyal client. He was not only a fantastic actor but also forensically smart and incredibly witty. After 40 years of being honored to be his agent, I shall miss him.
While he is best known to American and international viewers for his role as Harry Potter’s friend and fictitious parent, British viewers have long adored him for his role as Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald in the enduring crime drama “Cracker.”
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) recognized him three times in a row for his performance as a foul-mouthed, heavy drinker and gambling addict in the film “Cracker.”
Coltrane was referred to as a “Scottish entertainment legend” by First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, who also named “Ftiz” as one of her favorite TV characters.
“dreadful news He was a versatile actor who was excellent in both brilliant comedy and hard-edged drama “The Scottish National Party’s leader said.
Very sad news. 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.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 14, 2022
Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend – you will be hugely missed. RIP https://t.co/z9OCf4c83p
His final acting role was in the British comedy-drama “Urban Myths” in 2020, where he played Orson Welles in an eccentric, entertaining way.
The charming Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky, James Bond’s daring opponent in “Golden Eye” and “The World is Not Enough,” stood in stark contrast to the scheming Hagrid character.
For another unfortunate part in the 2016 British miniseries “National Treasure,” Coltrane received raving reviews. In a plot influenced by the Jimmy Savile scandal, he received a BAFTA nomination for best actor while portraying a famous comedian who is accused of rape.
Few actors have demonstrated such range on the big screen, according to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who is in charge of the James Bond franchise.
“Robbie Coltrane’s passing is tragic for the entire world. He was a superb actor with unbounded talent “Wilson and Broccoli said. “We will miss him because he was a close friend. Goodbye, Robbie.”
Robbie Coltrane’s passing is a tragic loss to the world. He was an exceptional actor whose talent knew no bounds. He was beloved to Bond audiences as Valentin Zukovsky in GOLDENEYE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH as well as to millions who saw him in his multitude of roles. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/hrEXPMN8UJ
— James Bond (@007) October 14, 2022
The well-liked actor was originally born Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, Scotland, before adopting the stage name John Coltrane during his early acting career.
Eric Idle, a comedian and co-founder of Monty Python, lamented the passing of his “Nuns on the Run” co-star.
Idle described him as “such a bright and brilliant man” in a statement. “He made the ideal friend, too. I will sadly miss him.”
Oh no. I had just been talking about him with friends, wondering where he was. Such a bright and brilliant man. A consummate actor, an extraordinarily funny comedian and an amazing actor. He was also a very good friend. I shall miss him very much. https://t.co/tfJYpXk1Mq
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) October 14, 2022
Actor, author, and comedian Stephen Fry also mourned the passing of Coltrane, his friend of 40 years. They worked together on the British sketch comedy show “Alfresco,” which also included Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson.
“I was awe/terror/love-struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & talent,” Fry said in a statement. “You’ll be so dreadfully missed.”
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
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) October 14, 2022
Coltrane is survived by sister Annie Rae, ex-wife Rhona Gemmell and their children Spencer and Alice.
