Robbie Coltrane passes away: Actor famous for playing 'Hagrid' in Harry Potter films dies at 72

Robbie Coltrane, who was popular for playing half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.

Wizarding World - the official hub for fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts - confirmed the news on Twitter and posted a moving tribute to the much-loved actor.

"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," Wizarding World tweeted.

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/CCofb6BMo6

— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) October 14, 2022

As per Deadline, Robbie passed away in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland. 

Reports said Coltrane had been suffering from ill health for the past two years. 

Renowned British actor and comedian Stephen Fry posted his heartfelt tribute to Coltrane and said "farewll old fellow...you'll be 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," Fry tweeted.

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

Robbie Coltrane: Life & works

Robbie Coltrane was born on March 30, 1950, in Glasgow, Scotland to a doctor and a teacher. He studied at the Glasgow Art School, and Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh.

Coltrane took up stand-up comedy in Edinburgh clubs and changed his last name in honour of the jazz legend John Coltrane as he turned to act in London. 

His early TV credits include 'Flash Gordon', 'Blackadder and Keep It in the Family'. His other comedy credits included series like 'A Kick Up the Eighties', 'The Comic Strip' and 'Alfresco' as he became a mainstay on British TV screens. 

Coltrane also featured in two James Bond films as he played Valentin Zukovsky in 'GoldenEye' and 'The World Is Not Enough.' 

In 2019, among his more recent performances, Robbie reprised his role as Hagrid in the fantasy short film Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. 

(With Agency Inputs)