What happened to Robbie Coltrane? Health issues explored as beloved Hagrid dies aged 72

Popular actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, passed away on Friday, October 14, at the age of 72.

The news was confirmed by Coltrane’s agent, Belinda Wright, who said that he breathed his last at a hospital in Larbert, Scotland. She reminisced about his performance as Hagrid, which brought joy to children and adults all around the world. Wright added,

“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.”

Wright also thanked the medical staff at FORTH Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert for their care and requested that everyone respect the privacy of Coltrane’s family.

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Robbie Coltrane had a history of health problems

Although Robbie Coltrane's agent confirmed the news of his passing, she withheld information regarding the cause of his demise. The actor had been struggling with health issues for a while, but it is unclear whether they played a role in his death.

Coltrane's osteoarthritis caused him a lot of pain. In a picture that went viral in 2019, he was seen in a wheelchair, unable to walk. Sources revealed at the time that he had been suffering for a long time and was planning to get knee replacement surgery when the disorder damaged his joints.

Robbie Coltrane's cause of death remains unknown (Image via John Phillips/Getty Images)

Coltrane spoke up about his health issues once, stating that he had been battling pain for 24 hours a day when he starred in National Treasure and Great Expectations. He added that he had no cartilage on his knee and that he would never wish such pain on anybody, not even his worst enemy.

According to sources, the actor had to be wheeled in and out of the launch of the new Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike ride, in 2019. Fans were surprised to learn this because they had always seen him standing strong and tall.

The source had added:

“It’s hugely frustrating for him but he’s really hoping to be back on his feet after getting the operation.”

Fortunately, Coltrane was significantly cured following his surgery in 2020. The actor stated that being able to sleep without any pain after the operation changed his life.

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In brief, about Robbie Coltrane

Coltrane, born Anthony Robert McMillan, rose to prominence for his performance as Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise. He also appeared as Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in GoldenEye and The World is Not Enough, both of which belong to the James Bond film franchise.

The actor and writer was a recipient of the Evening Standard British Film Award – Peter Sellers Award for Comedy in 1990 and was honored at the British Academy Scotland Awards in 2011 for his contribution to film.

Robbie played memorable roles in TV shows like Alfresco, Tutti Frutti, and Cracker, and gained critical acclaim for his performances in films like Mona Lisa, Henry V, Let It Ride, Ocean’s Twelve, and Effie Gray.

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Bereaved netizens pay tribute to their beloved Hagrid

Following his demise, Twitter was flooded with fans posting messages in memory of Coltrane.

Robbie Coltrane is survived by his children, Spencer and Alice, and his sister, Annie Rae. He tied the knot with Rhona Gemmell in December 1999, but they separated in 2003 and divorced soon after.