'Thanks for all the laughter': Harry Potter and Cracker actor Robbie Coltrane dies aged 72

14 October 2022, 17:52 | Updated: 18 October 2022, 17:42

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

The Scottish star, whose real name is Anthony Robert McMillan, was best known for portraying Hagrid in the Harry Potter films as well as appearing as criminal psychologist Dr Eddie 'Fitz' Fitzgerald in detective drama Cracker.

A statement from his agent read: "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 Golden Eye 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.

"Please respect Robbie's family's privacy at this distressing time."

Coltrane was made an OBE in the 2006 New Year's honours list for his services to drama and he was awarded the Bafta Scotland Award for outstanding contribution to film in 2011.

He was born in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire and attended Glasgow School of Art and Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh.

The actor is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell.

Tributes have since flooded in for the star.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling said: "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 remembered his Harry Potter co-star as "one of the funniest people" and an "incredible actor".

The actor, who starred in the lead role in the fantasy series, worked closely with Coltrane throughout the eight films.

Radcliffe shared fond memories from set in a statement, saying: "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."

James Phelps, who also starred alongside Robbie Coltrane as Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter films, recalled his first memory of the actor.

"I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun," Phelps tweeted.

"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," he tweeted.

Oliver Phelps, who starred as George Weasley, said: "November 2001 - Leicester Square, London.

"'Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car'!

"Robbie (Coltrane) when he was next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere.

"Over the years we had some great chats about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x"

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films said: "Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier.

"He didn't give a f**k and it always made you smile.

"A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times x"

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, said she was "heartbroken".

"Heartbroken by the passing of Robbie Coltrane," she wrote.

"Hagrid was my favourite character! Robbie portrayed Hagrid's warmth, sense of home & unconditional love for his students and magical creatures so brilliantly.

"Thanks for all the laughter. Miss you Robbie. Sending love to your family."

Stephen Fry paid tribute to Coltrane, with whom he starred in the comedy series Alfresco, following the Harry Potter actor's death aged 72.

"I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago," Fry tweeted.

"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."

Tony Robinson, who starred alongside Robbie Coltrane in British sitcom Blackadder, said: "Robbie! You were such a sweet man and so talented as a comic and as a straight actor.

"'Dictionary' was my favourite episode of the Adder ever and it was all down to you mate. Rest well x"

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described Coltrane as a "Scottish entertainment legend" and said he will be "hugely missed".