Hugh Laurie and Alex Salmond among those remembering 'exceptional' Robbie Coltrane
An outpouring of messages and fond memories were shared after his agent confirmed he passed away yesterday
Last updated 15th Oct 2022
Hugh Laurie, James Bond producers, a Still Game Star and Scotland's former First Minister are among many to pay tribute to the "exceptional" Robbie Coltrane following his death aged 72.
The Scottish actor starred in a number of classic British franchises and shows during his career including 007, Blackadder and Harry Potter, where he starred as the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
Former First Minister Alex Salmond reflected on Coltrane's work.
He said: "For a modern viewer, it'll be Hagrid obviously, but in Tutti Frutti he was absolutely epic.
"Great personality , fantastic range, a serious actor as well as a comedy actor. He leaves a huge library of work and he will be sorely missed."
Gavin Mitchell, a.k.a. 'Boabby the Barman' from Still Game, starred alongside Coltrane in the 'Dial-a-Bus' episode.
He said: "Everything he touched was amazing.
"He was a great man, great company, great laugh, great to be around.
"There will sadly be a huge Hagrid hole in everyone's hearts in Scotland and indeed the world.
"He was a fan of the show as were his kids and they wanted him to do it. I believe Isa was his favourite character.
"He was great when he came on set.
"He was so lovely, he became one of the gang, he was open to things, he improvised, he was playful.
"He came to see me in shows like Casablanca or I'd bump into him at other shows or social events, or when he got his lifetime achievement award at BAFTA, and rightly so.
"He was just always a gem."
Laurie, who acted alongside Coltrane in the period sitcom Blackadder and in the sketch series Alfresco, recalled fond memories of his time with the actor.
"I hope it's OK to spout memories: I used to ride with Robbie Coltrane between Manchester and London in his sort-of-restored MGA," Laurie tweeted.
"I'd roll him cigarettes while he discoursed on the ways of the world, and I don't think I've ever laughed or learned so much in my life."
Among Coltrane's plethora of starring roles was an appearance in the Bond films GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough as KGB man Valentin Zukovsky alongside Pierce Brosnan's 007.
The franchise's long-term producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, described the actor's death as a "tragic loss to the world".
In a joint post to Twitter, they added: "He was an exceptional actor whose talent knew no bounds.
"He was beloved to Bond audiences as Valentin Zukovsky in GOLDENEYE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH as well as to millions who saw him in his multitude of roles.
"We shall miss him as a dear friend. Rest in peace Robbie."
The official Twitter account for the Harry Potter films also described Coltrane as a "wonderful actor".
Sharing a photo of him dressed as the beloved Hagrid to Twitter, they wrote: "We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of the magnificent Robbie Coltrane who played Hagrid with such kindness, heart and humour in the Harry Potter films.
Coltrane was also known for his roles as criminal psychologist Dr Eddie "Fitz" Fitzgerald in ITV's crime drama Cracker.
The role secured him the Bafta award for best actor for three consecutive years from 1994 to 1996.
The official Twitter account for Bafta also reflected on his award-winning career, tweeting: "We're devastated to hear of the death of Robbie Coltrane, an actor of outstanding talents who won two BAFTA Scotland Awards for achievement in film and three consecutive BAFTAs for his performances in Cracker. Our thoughts are with his family."
He also starred alongside Laurie, Stephen Fry and Dame Emma Thompson in the sketch series Alfresco in 1983 to 1984, and reunited with Dame Emma for the BBC miniseries Tutti Frutti where he played Big Jazza, for which he received his first Bafta nomination.