Tributes Paid To Harry Potter Actor Robert Coltrane Who Died Aged 72

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Tributes have been paid to the late actor Robert Coltrane, who died aged 72.

The actor whose real name was Anthony Robert McMillan was best known for his role as Rubeus Hagrid in the much loved Harry Potter films, alongside actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. 

Coltraine was also renowned for his role as Dr Edd 'Fitz' Fitzgerald in the ITV series Cracker from 1993 to 1995. The role earned the actor three consecutive Bafta awards for best actor between 1994 and 1996. 

He also featured in James Bond films Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough as KGB man Valentine Zukovsky. 

Coltraine's death was confirmed by his agent of 40 years Belinda Wright who released this statement. 

"Robbie was a unique talent, sharing the Guinness Book of Records' Award for winning three consecutive Best Actor Baftas for his portrayal of Fitz in Granada TV's series Cracker in 1994, 1995 and 1996 with Sir Michael Gambon", she said. 

"He will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films. A role which brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years". 

"James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough", she continued. 

"For me personally, I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client 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". 

"a complete one off" 

Daniel Radcliffe starred as Harry Potter in the titular Wizardry films, and he also paid tribute to "one of the funniest people" he ever met. 

"Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set", Radcliffe said via a statement.  “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", he added. 

Coltrane also starred alongside Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson in the sketch series Alfresco in 1983 and 1984. 

After hearing the news regarding his co star's death, Stephen Fry tweeted this emotional tribute. 

Robert Coltrane earned an OBE for his services to drama in 2006, and the Bafta Scotland Award for outstanding contribution to film in 2011. 

The actor is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell. 

 

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