Iconic British actor Robbie Coltrane OBE has died at the age of 72.
His death was announced to The Hollywood Reporter by his team at the WME agency on Thursday. Along with portraying the legendary role of Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, Coltrane has had a long and superb career, spanning comedy, drama, and theater.
His agent issued a statement wherein she noted that he will best be remembered for his role as Hagrid, which led to a “stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years,” Sky News reported. She described her client of 40-years as loyal, forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty, and a wonderful actor.
“You can be watching in 50 years time. I won’t be here sadly, but Hagrid will.”
Robbie Coltrane talking about how his portrayal of Hagrid in the Harry Potter series will outlive him. 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ybd7MCx06y
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) October 14, 2022
Originally from Scotland to a doctor and teacher, Coltrane attended the Glasgow Art School before continuing his education at the Moray House College of Education in the capital of Edinburg, THR noted. He first wanted to be an artist, but turned to stand-up comedy and acting in the U.K. (RELATED: ‘Shut The F*ck Up’: JK Rowling Says Her Ex-Husband Tried To Make Her ‘Comply,’ Won’t Give In To Cancel Culture)
Since landing his first role in 1979, he went on to parts in “Flash Gordon,” “The Young Ones,” “Blackadder the Third” and a slew of other notable British television series, according to his IMDB. He won several BAFTAs throughout his long career, most recently the “Outstanding Achievement Award” in 2011 Scotland awards, IMDB noted.