Entertainment
Harry Potter, grieving fan: one of the most beloved actors has died
Grieving Harry Potter fan: One of the most beloved actors has passed away. One of the most popular sagas in cinema history loses an important piece
It’s been 21 years since audiences first admired him in film, but the Harry Potter myth between films and books still lives on. That’s why today is a sad moment for fans as Robbie Coltrane, the actor who played half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, has died aged 72.
He had been ill for some time, suffering from an aggressive form of osteoarthritis which had forced him to undergo a series of surgeries in recent years. Illness eventually prevailed and he died in a Scottish hospital near his home as The Hollywood Reporter teased: “Beloved Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane died today at the age of 72. His agent has now confirmed it.”
We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humor in the Harry Potter films. He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/CCofb6BMo6
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) October 14, 2022
Harry Potter, grieving fans: Robbie Coltrane also starred in two 007 films
Born in Scotland on March 30, 1950, Robbie Coltrane was the stage name of Anthony Robert McMillan. The son of a doctor (still young with cancer) and a teacher, he graduated from the Glasgow Art School specializing in Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh.
He then moved to London and appeared in several TV movies including Flash Gordon, Blackadder and Keep It in the Family. His first major role in 1993, when he played Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald, a criminal psychologist in Jimmy McGovern’s Cracker series, which aired until 2006. Then the engagement in two James Bond films (GoldenEye and The World is Not Enough), but the real boom came with Harry Potter.
Coltrane was chosen to play Rubeus Hagrid and contributed to the worldwide success of the saga. He started with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001 and has been the big bearded giant with a passion for dragons ever since. And so on until the last two chapters, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 
JK Rowling, author of all the wizarding novels, remembers him like this: “I will never know someone like Robbie again. He was an incredible and unique talent, and I had the chance to know him, to work with him and to laugh out loud with him. I send my affection and sincere condolences to his family, especially his children.”