Harry Potter’s J.K. Rowling and Radcliffe react as ‘Hagrid’ Robbie Coltrane dies

On Friday we learned that Scottish-born actor Robbie Coltrane had died at the age of 72. The man who started out life as Anthony Robert McMillan in 1950 went on to put a smile on millions of faces as a stand-up comedian, before landing television roles in popular shows like Flash Gordon, Blackadder and Keep It in the Family.

Robbie Coltrane “A complete one off”

As his credentials grew, so did the opportunities, with Jimmy McGovern’s Cracker series proving a big hit, and global recognition in James Bond blockbusters and then playing the character of Rubeus Hagrid the Giant in the Harry Potter movies. Awards would follow.

How did Robbie Coltrane die?

Although no specific details of his death have yet been released, his agent, Belinda Wright, communicated that the actor had died while in hospital in Scotland.

“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 [Falkirk] for their care and diplomacy.

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

RIP Robbie: reactions and tributes to Coltrane’s passing

With Harry Potter being a role he’ll be most remembered by many, it seems appropriate to start the tributes with that of J.K. Rowling.

‘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.’

Daniel Radcliffe, who played the movie role of Harry Potter made a statement upon hearing the news.

‘Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set.

‘I’ve especially fond memories of him keeping our spirits up on ‘Prisoner of Azkaban,’ when we were all hiding from the torrential rain for hours in Hagrid’s hut and he was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up. I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed.

‘He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.’