Robbie Coltrane, known for playing Hagrid in Harry Potter, dies at 72

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Robbie Coltrane, the actor and comedian who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died at the age of 72.

As reported by the BBC, Coltrane’s agent, Belinda Wright, confirmed that he had died at a hospital near Falkirk, Scotland, on Friday, October 14, 2022. Wright called Coltrane a “unique talent” and said the actor ” brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world.”

“For me personally, I will remember him as a forever loyal customer,” Wright said. “As well as being a wonderful actor, he was smart, brilliantly witty, and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I will miss him.”

“He is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and his 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 the privacy of Robbie’s family in this such a harrowing time.”

Coltrane was born on March 30, 1950 in Rutherglen, Scotland, with the name of Anthony Robert McMillan. He adopted the surname Coltrane as a tribute to jazz saxophonist John Coltrane.

His acting career began in 1979, when he was cast in the television series Play for Today, and went on to star in films and series such as Flash Gordon, Death Live, Scrubbers, Krull, Tutti Frutti and many more.

He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films and for his time as Valentin Zukovsky in the James Bond films GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.

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For his contribution to the world of theatre, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Order of the British Empire in 2006.