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Daily Mirror
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Zara Woodcock

Robbie Coltrane dead: JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe lead tributes to 'incredible' icon

JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe have led the stars paying tribute to Harry Potter and Cracker actor Robbie Coltrane after he died aged 72.

The actor, who played the iconic role of Hagrid in the wizarding world passed away in hospital on Friday, his agent announced.

After hearing the sad news, the author of the Harry Potter novels, JK Rowling, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the actor.

"I'll never know anyone remotely like Robbie again. 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," she wrote.

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

She also shared a picture of the two deep in conversation at a dinner table.

Robbie's loss will have a devastating impact on the author, who previously spoke about how she had Coltrane at the top of her list to play Hagrid in the film adaptations of her novels.

When asked whom she would like to see in the role, responded "Robbie Coltrane for Hagrid" in one quick breath.

Robbie starred as Hagrid in Harry Potter (Warner Brothers)

Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as Harry Potter himself, called Robbie 'one of the funniest people' and an 'incredible actor'.

"Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set," he said.

“I’ve especially fond memories of him keeping our spirits up on Prisoner of Azkaban, when we were all hiding from the torrential rain for hours in Hagrid’s hut and he was telling stories and cracking jokes to keep morale up.

“I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and work with him and very sad that he’s passed. He was an incredible actor and a lovely man.”

Daniel felt 'incredibly lucky' to have met Robbie (Getty Images)

The two starred alongside each other throughout the eight films, with the films being released between 2001 to 2011.

Emma Watson, who took on the role of Hermione Granger, took to her Instagram Stories and called him 'deeply caring'.

"Robbie was like the most fun uncle I've ever had but most of all he was deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult. His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant," she said.

"His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant - he could fill ANY space with his brilliance. Robbie, if I ever get to be so kind as you were to me on a film set I promise I'll do it in your name and memory, Know how much I adore and admire you.

Emma Watson called him a 'deeply caring' person (Reuters)
She shared the tribute on her story (emmawatson/Instagram)

"I'll really miss you sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs and your hugs. You made us a family. Know you were that to us. There was no better Hagrid. You made it a joy to be Hermione."

Stephen Fry, 65, also took to social media to remember his legacy.

"I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago," he said.

"I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow.

"You’ll be so dreadfully missed."

Robbie and Stephen for Red Nose Day in 1989 (Comic Relief via Getty Images)

James Phelps, who starred as Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter films, recalled his first memory of the actor.

“I will miss the random chats about all subjects under the sun,” he tweeted.

“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."

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom also paid tribute to the actor.

“Robbie. Bobser. He called me Space Boy. We shared a love of the final frontier,” he wrote.

“He didn’t give a f**k and it always made you smile. A giant, in more ways than one. We had some times x”

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "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."

Fans also took to social media to pay tribute to the actor, who played Dr. Eddie 'Fitz' Fitzgerald in Cracker.

One said: "Robbie Coltrane was a legend, a great actor and a funny guy," while another said: Another wrote: "RIP Robbie Coltrane. Hagrid, of course, but played so many other wonderful characters."

Stephen Fry paid tribute (stephenfry/Twitter)

"Very sad news that the lovely Robbie Coltrane has passed away. I have adored him for 26 years," another added.

One fan wrote: "Robbie Coltrane nailed the character of Hagrid, I always read the character from the book in his voice. Ahh I’m gonna miss him bro."

In a statement, his agent reminisced on his roles as well as his achievements throughout his career.

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She said: "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.

“James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.

“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."

Robbie's cause of death has not been revealed.

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