Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane has passed away at age 72 – following years of ongoing health problems.
The Hagrid star touched the hearts of many in his wizarding role but unfortunately suffered his fair share of health issues.
No official cause of death has been released to the public.
In a statement released on Friday (October 14), his agent Belinda Wright confirmed the news of his passing and said: “My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14.
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“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.
(Image: PA)
“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.
“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.
(Image: PA)
“He is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell. They would like to thank the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and diplomacy.
“Please respect Robbie’s family’s privacy at this distressing time.”
The whole world was in shock as their mourned the beloved actor – but many knew he had his own health struggles which he previously opened up about.
In 2019, he was pictured in a wheelchair at a Harry Potter event due to being unable to walk.
Sources had told the press that the star had been in “constant pain for years” and was awaiting surgery.
Robbie was set to undergo knee replacement surgery after osteoarthritis had totally wrecked his joints.
In September 2020, Robbie opened up about his health and said: “I was fighting pain 24 hours a day when I was in National Treasure and Great Expectations.
“I had no cartilage in my knee. It was bone on bone.”
(Image: PA)
The screen star also added that he wouldn’t wish such pain “on [his] worst enemy”.
A source at the time revealed: “He was wheeled in and out of the Harry Potter event on Monday which came as a big shock to fans given they’re so used to seeing him standing strong and tall as Hagrid.
“It’s left him unable to walk without any assistance and he’s been given a wheelchair while he waits to have a special surgical procedure in America to repair his joint.
(Image: FilmMagic)
“It’s hugely frustrating for him but he’s really hoping to be back on his feet after getting the operation.”
Luckily for the star, the operation went well and he found some “relief from pain”.
The star explained: “It was just horrible. The relief from that pain since the operation and being able to sleep has changed my life.”
However, before he was allowed the long-awaited procedure, he was told by doctors to lose seven stone or risk becoming a “cripple”.
Before he dropped the pounds, Robbie weight in at 20 stone and within six months he had shed 63 pounds after being forced to give up his favourite junk foods.
Talking about his weight loss, Robbie once said: “Avoiding all the things I like. Make a list of the things you like to eat and avoid them all. It’s all come off in six months, but four stone’s (56 pounds) not much to lose when you’re my weight.”
His knee injury stemmed from an old sports injury that he did during a rugby game at school in Scotland.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
