'Harry Potter' Forest Keeper Hagrid Role Lobby Coltrane Passes Away

British actor Robbie Coltrane, who played the role of Hagrid in the "Harry Potter" film series. The photo shows him during his lifetime.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Robbie Coltrane, a British actor who played Hagrid, the forest keeper of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 'Harry Potter' film series, passed away on the 14th (local time) at the age of 72.

Major foreign media reported that Coltrane died at a hospital in his hometown of Scotland on the same day. Coltrane portrayed the half-giant Hagrid in all eight 'Harry Potter' films released from 2001 to 2011. He was beloved for his warm-hearted role protecting the Hogwarts forest and helping the main character Harry Potter and his friends.

He was born in 1950 in Rutherglen, Scotland. His birth name was originally Anthony Robert McMillan, but after becoming an actor, he changed his stage name to Robbie Coltrane in honor of the jazz musician John Coltrane, whom he admired.

He was active on both screen and television for over 40 years. He appeared in the 007 series films 'GoldenEye' (1995) and 'The World Is Not Enough' (1999), playing a mafia boss who was a former member of the Russian KGB, and starred in the popular 1990s British drama 'Cracker.' He won the British Academy TV Award for Best Actor and the film BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in 'Cracker' and 'Harry Potter,' respectively.

Coltrane's agent Belinda Wright expressed in a statement, "He will be best remembered for his role as Hagrid in Harry Potter," adding, "He brought joy to children and adults worldwide and received fan letters every week for over 20 years."

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling also posted on Twitter, saying, "We will never meet anyone like Robbie again," recalling that he was a perfect actor with incredible talent.

Daniel Radcliffe said, "He was one of the funniest people I have ever met and kept us laughing on set during our childhood," and added, "I am very saddened by his passing."