Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in Harry Potter, has died aged 72

Actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the films Harry Potter “, died at the age of 72. In a statement, his agent Belinda Wright confirmed that the actor died in hospital near Falkirk in Scotland.

Crédit : Mary Evans / Warner Bros / Ronald Grant / Everett Collection

She described Coltrane as a « talent unique » , adding that his role as Hagrid “has brought joy to children and adults around the world” . And she adds: “For me personally, I will remember him as an ever loyal customer. Besides being a wonderful actor, he was of great intelligence and a brilliant mind. After 40 proud years as his agent, I will miss him. » Robbie Coltrane received the Bafta Scotland Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film in 2011. He also starred in the ITV detective series 'Cracker' and the James Bond films 'Goldeneye' and 'The World Is Not Enough' .

Robbie Coltrane leaves behind his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell. They would like to thank the medical staff at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and diplomacy. His agent did not provide details on how he died, and the family asked the public to respect their grief and understand their need to keep certain matters private.

Credit: Paul Cunningham / Corbis

Poignant tributes

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the dead Coltrane's “very sad news” . “He had such a range and depth as an actor, from brilliant comedy to tough drama. I think my favorite role of all his roles was as Fitz in Cracker. Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend, you will be sorely missed. RIP » she said. The star, whose real name is Anthony Robert McMillan, was born in Rutherglen, south Lanarkshire, in 1950. Coltrane was the son of teacher and pianist Jean Ross and GP Ian Baxter McMillan, and made his studies at the independent school Glenalmond College in Perth.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe paid tribute to him in a statement, saying: 'Robbie was one of the funniest people I've ever met and he kept us laughing all the time when we were kids on set. I have particularly fond memories of him keeping our spirits up on Prisoner of Azkaban, when we were all hiding from the torrential rain for hours in Hagrid's cabin and he was telling stories and cracking jokes for keep morale. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to meet and work with him and very sad that he passed away. He was an amazing actor and a lovely man. »