Robbie Coltrane: Tributes paid to Scottish ‘entertainment legend’

Tributes have been paid to Robbie Coltrane following the actor’s death aged 72.

His agent, Belinda Wright, confirmed Coltrane had passed away on Friday afternoon.

Perhaps best known for his role as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, Coltrane also starred in the TV series Cracker, and as Valentin Zukovsky in James Bond films GoldenEye and The World is Not Enough.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the actor as a “Scottish entertainment legend”, adding that he would be missed.

“Very sad news. He had such range and depth as an actor, from brilliant comedy to hard-edged drama. I think my favourite of all his roles was Fitz in Cracker,” she said.

“Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend – you will be hugely missed. RIP.”

Actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry, said that Coltrane would be “dreadfully missed”, having met the actor four decades ago.

“I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago. I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time,” he said.

“Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed.”

Daniel Radcliffe said that his Harry Potter co-star was “one of the funniest people” and an “incredible” actor.

He worked closely with Coltrane, who played Hagrid, as he starred from a young age as the series’ title character.

“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on set,” said Radcliffe, now aged 33.

“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.”

Author JK Rowling paid tribute on Twitter stating: “I’ll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. He was an incredible talent, a complete one off, and I was beyond fortunate to know him, work with him and laugh my head off with him. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children.”

The official Twitter account for the Harry Potter films said the team was “hugely saddened” by the news of his death.

“We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films,” they wrote.

“He was a wonderful actor, a friend to all and he will be deeply missed.”

Tony Robinson who starred alongside Robbie Coltrane in the sitcom Blackadder also paid tribute.

“Robbie! You were such a sweet man and so talented as a comic and as a straight actor,” said Robinson.

“Dictionary was my favourite episode of the Adder ever and it was all down to you mate. Rest well x.”

The charity Friends of TS Queen Mary, of which Coltrane was a patron issued a statement following his death.

The organisation said: “Robbie Coltrane was a star of international renown, enjoying a glittering career in film, theatre and television.

“To us, however, he was – first and foremost – a true friend, in every sense of the word.

“Robbie was unstinting in his passion, enthusiasm and support for TS Queen Mary, a ship he often referred to as being his ‘beautiful baby’.

“Away from the public eye he would spend countless hours helping us to engage with donors and corporate sponsors, even taking the time to sign around 300 Christmas cards every year!

“He loved casting his eye over the new plans and schematics for TS Queen Mary (he was an excellent engineer!) and he took real pleasure in sitting on her boat deck and imagining her getting ready to cast off.

“When we last met with Robbie he was in good spirits. He encouraged us to keep going, and to make sure that his “beautiful baby” (which he helped to save, in 2015) has a bright future. That is exactly what we will do, with renewed determination.

“We will, of course, miss Robbie greatly, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

“However, this is not goodbye. TS Queen Mary was such a huge part of Robbie’s life that wherever his “beautiful baby” goes, a part of him will remain with her.”