Robbie Coltrane has sadly passed away at the age of 72, according to reports from Deadline. The actor was known for his roles in the Harry Potter franchise, James Bond, and Cracker. Coltrane passed away in a hospital near his home in Larbert, Scotland, after being ill for the past two years.
His most notable role was in Harry Potter, where he portrayed Rubeus Hagrid, the half giant-half wizard who consistently aided Potter and his friends. He portrayed the character for all eight films, from the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001 to The Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 2011. He also made a name for himself in the TV realm playing forensic psychologist Dr. Edward ‘Fitz’ Coltrane in the murder drama Cracker, where he won three consecutive BAFTA best actor awards. In addition, he appeared in the James Bond film, The World Is Not Enough and Golden Eye, where he played Valentin Zukovsky alongside Pierce Brosnan and Denise Richards.
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Coltrane was born Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, Scotland, in 1950 before taking the stage name Coltrane later in his career. His earliest roles include parts in Flash Gordon and Mona Lisa. Cracker brought Coltrane to fame in the 1990s before his major Harry Potter debut alongside Daniel Radcliffe in 2001. The actor is survived by his two children.
Coltrane Says His Legacy Will Live on in Harry Potter
Warner Bros. Picture
Robbie Coltrane’s role as Rubeus Hagrid is undoubtedly the biggest role of his career, and the actor recognized it. During the HBO Max special, Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts, the actor spoke on his time with the franchise and why he believes his legacy will continue with the films.
Of course, fans who grew up with Harry Potter will continue to show the films to their children, as Coltrane said. His memory will always live on in the immensely popular movies. Coltrane recently reprised his role in 2019 in the fantasy short film Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and penned an autobiography, Coltrane in a Cadillac. Rest in peace to the fantastic actor who graced the screen for several decades.
