How did Robbie Coltrane die? 'Harry Potter' star who played Hagrid was 'fighting pain 24 hours a day'
FALKIRK, SCOTLAND: The film industry and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Robbie Coltrane who died at the age of 72, on Friday, October 14, as previously confirmed by his agent Belinda Wright. The actor died in a hospital near Falkirk in Scotland, and no other verified information related to his death was provided. However, the actor had been suffering from deteriorating health for a long time and once claimed that he was "fighting pain 24 hours a day."
The legendary actor most affectionately known for his role as Hagrid in the 'Harry Potter' franchise got candid with the Daily Express in 2020 and talked about the immense pain he fought almost all day due to osteoarthritis. "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," said the actor. Coltrane said that he wouldn't wish this kind of pain "on [his] worst enemy." The actor became so feeble that he could not walk without assistance. At the time, a source added, "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."
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The source continued, "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. It’s hugely frustrating for him but he’s really hoping to be back on his feet after getting the operation." Fortunately for the actor, by 2020 they were unable to find some relief as they got the surgery they were longing for. Reflecting upon the same, Coltrane said, "It was just horrible. The relief from that pain since the operation and being able to sleep has changed my life."
Hagrid joined us last night at the @UniversalORL press event for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - R to L: Robbie Coltrane, Art Director Alan Gilmore and Senior VP Universal Creative Thierry Coup. https://t.co/teTZGSmMoX pic.twitter.com/WLfMZ19Y1P
— blooloop (@Blooloop) March 12, 2019
As recently as 2022, Coltrane was dealing with his physical issues which once again left him worried as he canceled his Comic-Con appearance due to the same which was being held at Olympia London. In an email sent to the fans, the team speaking on behalf of the actor wrote, "It is with deep regret that Robbie Coltrane has to withdraw from the July Comic-Con due to his continuing ill health. He is very sorry to disappoint his fans and supporters and hopes very much to appear at another Showmasters event when his health permits."
In a statement shared by Wright with LADbible, she said, "My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14. 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. 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." The Hollywood Reporter shared a statement by Wright that read, "As well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent and brilliantly witty, and after 40 years of being proud to be to called his agent, I shall miss him." She called Coltrane a "unique talent."