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Daily Record
Entertainment
Paul T Smith

JK Rowling leads Robbie Coltrane tributes as she hails Harry Potter star 'incredible'

JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, has paid tribute to the "incredible" Robbie Coltrane following his death at the age of just 72.

The Scots star, whose real name is Anthony Robert McMillan, was best known for playing the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper and starring as criminal psychologist Dr Eddie 'Fitz' Fitzgerald in ITV's crime drama Cracker.

His agent of 40 years Belinda Wright said Coltrane died on Friday and thanked the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, for their "care and diplomacy".

JK Rowling has led tributes on Twitter. (Twitter/JK Rowling)

Coltrane played Rowling's character Rubeus Hagrid in the film adaptations of her famous book series.

"I'll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again," Rowling wrote, accompanied with a picture of the pair.

FILE PHOTO: British actor Robbie Coltrane attends the European Premiere of the film Great Expectations in central London October 21, 2012. The film closes the 56th London Film Festival. (REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo)

"He was an incredible talent, a complete one off, and I was beyond fortunate to know him, work with him and laugh my head off with him.

"I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children."

ROBBIE COLTRANE as Rubeus Hagrid (© Zuma Press / eyevine)

Other celebs have also taken to Twitter to remember the acting legend.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, said in a statement shared with PA: "Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set."

Stephen Fry paid tribute to the star as he declared he was in "awe/terror/love struck" all at the same time when he met him 40 years ago.

He wrapped up the tribute by adding: "Farewell, old fellow. You'll be so dreadfully missed."

Sir Tom Conti Scottish actor, theatre director, and novelist, told the Record: "Sadly I never met him but he was a wonderful performer with a magnetic personality and he will be hugely missed.

First Minster Nicola Sturgeon said: "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. Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend - you will be hugely missed. RIP."

Michael Hines, who directed the likes of Still Game and Chewin' the Fat, said: "very sad news. Had the enormous pleasure of working with him on in #StillGame but he was a giant in every way in film and tv."

Still Game's Sanjeev Kholi tweeted: "I’ve LOVED Robbie Coltrane ever since A Kick Up The Eighties. I’ve loved everything he’s done since. And I was privileged to work with him once on Still Game. A comedy giant, a gentle giant. Rest in peace big man xxx"

Gavin Mitchel, who played Boaby the barman in Still Game, wrote: "Awful news. A great actor , great company and a great laugh who will be hugely and sadly missed. Safe travels Sir. X"

American actress Jennifer Tilly said: "Rip to the great Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane. He played the curmudgeonly ticket taker in “Let It Ride”. His deadpan observational humor was a brilliant counterpoint to the frantic gambling degeneracy of @RichardDreyfuss."

My Family actor Robert Lindsay took to social media to say: "Now I’m in shock at the death of my dear pal Robbie Coltrane We shared a Hollywood journey that will live with me forever. Another great star to light the heavens."

James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, said: "will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun.And I'll never forget in September 2000, Robbie Coltrane came over to a very nervous 14yr old me on my 1st ever day on a movie set and said "Enjoy it, you'll be great". Thank you for that x"

Oliver Phelps played George Weasley in Harry Potter, and has recalled a time they attended a premier in London, saying: "November 2001 - Leicester Square, London. "Soak this in lads, its like a Rolls-Royce for your first car"! Robbie Coleraine when he was next to me on the red carpet of the first HP premiere. Over the years we had some great chats about history and travel. Rest in peace Robbie x"

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