Actor Robbie Coltrane passed away aged 72 while also dealing with a health issue, not known to be related to his death.
It was announced that the Harry Potter star, best known for his role as Hagrid, had died on Friday 14 October 2022 by his manager.
It was known that Robbie had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis which is a degenerative joint disease.
Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone and is believed by medical experts to be the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide.
Symptoms of the illness include bone spurs, a grating sensation between joints, stiffness, tenderness, and loss of flexibility.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis but it's recommended to exercise to strengthen the bones and general fitness.
Fans were concerned back in 2019 when Robbie was seen using a wheelchair.
Of his osteoarthritis, Robbie told the Daily Express : "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. It was just horrible. The relief from that pain since the operation and being able to sleep has changed my life.
"I'm in constant pain all day. I had an exploratory operation and they discovered I had no cartilage left in one of my knees."
Robbie's agent Belinda Wright confirmed the actor's death at the age of 72 but did not provide a cause for his passing.
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."
The cast of Harry Potter have since paid tribute to the beloved actor.
Emma Watson, who is best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the film franchise, led the tributes to Robbie.
She said: "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 – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance."
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the lead in the films, described Robbie as as 'one of the funniest people' and an 'incredible actor'.
