Veteran actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in Harry Potter films, dies at 72

Condolences for the actor have begun pouring in for the actor. Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon described Coltrane's death as "very sad news".

Veteran actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in Harry Potter films, dies at 72.

New Delhi: Robbie Coltrane, most-well known for portraying the role of Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise has passed away. The veteran actor was 72 years old. In a statement, his agent Belinda Wright confirmed the actor died in hospital near Falkirk in Scotland. According to a report by BBC, his agent said, "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."

"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 statement added.

Robbie Coltrane born as Anthony Robert McMillan on March 30, 1950, in Glasgow,Scotland. He attended the Glasgow Art School, he continued his studies in art at Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh. His career failed to flourish as an artist so Robbie took up stand up comedy as a profession and later turned to acting. He also changed his last name to Coltrane to honour the Jazz legend John Coltrane.

Robbie had a flourishing career on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Condolences for the actor have begun pouring in for the actor. Thousands of fans form acros the world are sharing heartfelt condolences on social media platforms. Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon described Coltrane's death as "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."