Coltrane was recognized for his roles as the Hogwarts gamekeeper Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series and the criminal psychologist Dr. Eddie ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald in the television crime drama.
Robbie Coltrane, the actor in Harry Potter and Cracker, has died at the age of 72.
On Friday, the Scottish-born actor who played Hogwarts gamekeeper Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series and criminal psychologist Dr. Eddie ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald in a 1990s television crime thriller passed away.
In a statement, his agent of 40 years, Belinda Wright, stated that the actor will likely be best remembered for his role as Hagrid, which resulted in “a steady stream of fan emails every week for over two decades.”
Coltrane, whose full name was Anthony Robert McMillan, was hailed by her as a “great performer” with “forensic intelligence.”
Coltrane received an OBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours for his work in Cracker, for which he won the British Academy Television Awards for an outstanding actor for three consecutive years.
Coltrane’s family thanked the staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care, according to his agency, which did not provide specifics of his passing.
“Unique”
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, posted a photo of herself with Coltrane and wrote, “I’ll never know someone quite like Robbie again. He had an exceptional talent, a one-of-a-kind.”
Coltrane’s role in all eight Harry Potter films became possibly his most recognizable.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, remarked, “Robbie was one of the funniest individuals I’ve ever encountered; he kept us youngsters on set laughing constantly.
When we were all hiding from the pouring rain for hours in Hagrid’s hut and he was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up during Prisoner of Azkaban, I had very warm memories of him.
While James Phelps, who portrayed Fred Weasley, stated that he will miss the “random discussions about every topic under the sun,” he will not miss Harry Potter.
Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy in the fantasy film series, recalled filming a sequence with Coltrane in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone and described him as a “huge, kind giant.”
“One of my favorite memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot in the forbidden forest for the first film,” tweeted Felton.
“I was 12. Robbie looked out for everyone in his vicinity. Effortlessly. And they were amused. Effortlessly. Thank you for everything, buddy – xoxo.”
Matthew Lewis, who portrayed Neville Longbottom, referred to Coltrane as “a giant in more ways than one” and stated that they “shared a passion for the final frontier.”
Bonnie Wright, who portrayed Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, expressed “heartbreak” and thanked Coltrane for “all the joy.”
Sir Lenny Henry, who provided the voice for Dre Head in Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, tweeted, “This is terrible news. Rob was the genuine article. Condolences are extended to his family. Big love big fella xxx”
Professor Flitwick actor Warwick Davis was “devastated” by the news, adding, “He brought warmth, light, and humor to every set he walked on. Robbie, the beloved comedy giant, rest in peace.”
Coltrane’s “talent was limitless”
Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to Coltrane, who portrayed Valentin Zukovsky in the James Bond flick GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.
They referred to him as an “outstanding actor” and stated that “his talents had no limitations.”
Stephen Fry, who featured alongside Coltrane in the comedy series Alfresco and narrated the British version of the Harry Potter audiobooks, stated that the actor will be “devastatingly missed.”
Fry stated that he met Coltrane nearly four decades ago and added, “Such depth, power, and talent: humorous enough to induce hopeless hiccups and honking while we filmed our first episode of Alfresco.”
Hugh Laurie, who co-starred with Coltrane in the films Alfresco and Blackadder, had warm memories of their time together.
Tony Robinson, a co-star on Blackadder, hailed him as “such a kind man” and “so accomplished as a comedic and dramatic performer.”
He added on Twitter, “‘Dictionary’ was my favorite Adder episode ever, and it was all because of you, mate. Rest well x”
A Scottish legend of entertainment
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon described Coltrane as a “Scottish entertainment legend” who will be “greatly missed.
Robert Lindsay, who co-starred with Coltrane in the 1989 film Bert Rigby, You’re a Fool, paid tribute to his “dear friend” by stating, “We shared a Hollywood adventure that will go on forever in my memory.”
Born in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, Coltrane attended the Glasgow School of Art and the Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh.
His descendants include his sister Annie Rae, children Spencer and Alice, and their mother Rhoda Gemmell.
