Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Rubeus Hagrid in Harry Potter, has died at the age of 72. Coltrane has also appeared in the James Bond films Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough.

Belinda Wright, Coltrane's agent, confirmed the actor's death in a hospital near Falkirk, Scotland. Wright described Coltrane as a "unique talent" and that Hagrid, as a character, "brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world."

"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."

Apart from playing an integral role in the Harry Potter series which starred Daniel Radcliffe, Rubert Grint and Emma Watson, Coltrane has also starred in National Treasure, a Channel 4 drama, about a comic and TV host accused of sexual abuse of women.

In 2011, Coltrane was awarded the Bafta Scotland Award for outstanding contribution to film, in addition to being made an OBE in the 2006 New Year's honors list. 

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe remarked: "Robbie was one of the funniest people I've met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on that set.

"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."

Fellow Harry Potter star Emma Watson said: "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.

"I'll really miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs and your hugs."

Writing on Twitter, Harry Potter author JK Rowling described Coltrane as an "incredible talent" and "a complete one-off".

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister, described Coltrane's death as "very sad news," remarking that "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."

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