Nairobi News

Actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 72.

Born Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, Scotland, Coltrane’s acting career spanned everything from Bond films to Cracker to Harry Potter.

Coltrane’s agent of 40 years Belinda Wright on Friday announced the news and thanked the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, near Falkirk for their ‘care and diplomacy.’

In a statement, she added: “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.”

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Coltrane moved into acting in his early twenties, taking the stage name Coltrane (in tribute to jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and working in theatre and comedy.

He was made an Order of British Empire (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.

Writing on Twitter, Harry Potter author JK Rowling described Coltrane as an ‘incredible talent’ and ‘a complete one-off.’

“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,” she said.

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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 is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell, with whom they separated in 2003, four years after their wedding.

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