The actor’s agent confirmed the sad news of his death (Picture: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
Tributes are pouring in for Robbie Coltrane following the actor’s death at the age of 72, with author JK Rowling branding him a ‘complete one off.’
Coltrane was famously known for his portrayal of Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, as well as Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in James Bond films GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.
Confirming the shock news of his death, the Scottish star’s agent, Belinda Wright, shared a statement, saying he died on Friday, October 14.
She hailed him a ‘unique talent,’ adding that his role of Hagrid ‘brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world, prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years.’
The official Twitter page for the Harry Potter films shared their sadness following the film icon’s death, writing in a statement: ‘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.’
They added that he was ‘a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed.’
Coltrane was best known for playing Hagrid in the franchise (Picture: Warner Bros)
Author of the novels Rowling shared a personal snap with Coltrane at an event, writing that she will ‘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,’ she tweeted.
‘I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children.’
Another member of the Harry Potter family honouring Coltrane is James Phelps, who starred as Fred Weasley in the films.
Sharing his first meeting with the star as a young boy and his words of encouragement, he wrote: ‘I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun.And I’ll never forget in September 2000, Robbie Coltrane came over to a very nervous 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said, “Enjoy it, you’ll be great”. Thank you for that x’
Paying tribute to the star as well, Stephen Fry recalled his earliest memories of Coltrane, after they starred alongside one another in the comedy series Alfresco.
He 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.’
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon also noted the ‘very sad news’ as she praised Coltrane’s ‘range and depth as an actor.’
‘He had such range and depth as an actor, from brilliant comedy to hard-edged drama. I think my favourite of all his roles was Fitz in Cracker. Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend – you will be hugely missed. RIP,’ she tweeted.
In a light-hearted tribute, TV star Richard Coles wrote alongside a picture of Coltrane: ‘Very sorry to hear Robbie Coltrane has died. We shared a dressing room once and he had the biggest pants I have ever seen, which he wore with tremendous flair. We were friends from then on.’
Comedian Jack Dee praised Coltrane for being ‘brilliant, delightful and ridiculously funny,’ calling him a ‘fab actor’ as he sent love to Coltrane’ family.
Fans of the Harry Potter franchise are also remembering Coltrane, sharing his most poignant quotes from his role as the half-giant half-human, as well as one powerful line from the recent Harry Potter reunion.
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‘The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children. So you could be watching them in 50 years time… I’ll not be here sadly, but Hagrid will,’ he told cameras.
Self-proclaimed Potterheads have branded the late actor a ‘treasure,’ sharing how much they will miss him and vow to always read the best-selling books in his voice.
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‘I will never know anyone remotely like Robbie again.’