ROBBIE Coltrane, the Scottish actor most famously known for playing the character of Hagrid in the Harry Potter series of movies, died on October 14 at the age of 72.
Up to now, the cause of death was unknown, though he did appear unwell during a Harry Potter retrospective in the last year.
According to reports, Coltrane died as a result of ‘multiple organ failure’. Coltrane’s death certificate added that had been suffering from sepsis, lower respiratory tract infection and heart block.
He had also been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, reports the Daily Record.
Having played such a beloved character, Coltrane’s death led to an outpouring of tributes from both fans and those who worked with him.
Radcliffe said in a statement: “Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on that set.
“I’ve especially 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 hut and he was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up.
“I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed.
“He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.”
Outside of Harry Potter, Coltrane is remembered for his role as criminal psychologist Dr Eddie ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald in the ITV crime drama Cracker, one of many television hits he was part of.
He also co-starred in two James Bond films as Russian gangster Valentin Zukovsky in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough, holding his own opposite Pierce Brosnan.
Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell. – The Vibes, October 25, 2022
