Beloved “Harry Potter” star and Scottish-born actor Robbie Coltrane has died at the age of 72, his publicity agency confirmed.
Coltrane’s agency William Morris Endeavor confirmed the star’s death to The Hollywood Reporter in a piece published Friday. The actor, born Anthony Robert McMillan, is probably best known for his role as Rubeus Hagrid in the film adaptations of J.K Rowling’s fantasy series, making his debut in the series in 2001.
Coltrane, both an actor and comedian, was also known for his memorable part as Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald in the British crime series “Cracker.”
“For me personally I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client,” his agent Belinda Wright shared in statement to the Press Association, per NBC News.
Robbie Coltrane, Comic Performer Who Played Hagrid in ‘Harry Potter’ Movies, Dies at 72 https://t.co/eblo4pQQlW
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 14, 2022
“As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be called his agent, I shall miss him,” his agent added.
Coltrane landed his breakout role on the big screen in the James Bond movie “GoldenEye” in 1995 as Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky across from Pierce Brosnan’s 007, the outlet noted.
He would later reprise the role in “The World is not Enough” in 1999.
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. He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/CCofb6BMo6
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) October 14, 2022
The official Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts social media page was one of the first to react to news of the star’s passing.
“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. He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed,” the tweet read.
Famed “Harry Potter” author Rowling called Coltrane an “incredible talent” and said she was “fortunate to know him.”
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
“I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again,” the author tweeted. “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.”
At the time of this publication there has been no word as to a cause of death. Coltrane is survived by two children, Deadline noted.
This story is developing. Check back for updates…