By Ross Collie

Robbie Coltrane, the actor best known for playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies, has died aged 72.

The Scottish performer died in Forth Valley Hospital in nearby Larbert. He is survived by two children, Spencer and Alice.

In a statement confirming his death, his agent Belinda Wright, said: “My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday October 14.”

She continued: “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.

“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.

Coltrane’s acting career spanned over four decades and ranged from TV comedy shows to two James Bond movies, Goldeneye and The World is Not Enough.

He won several acting awards throughout his career, notably winning three consecutive ‘Best Actor’ Baftas for his role in the ITV detective series Cracker.

Several of his co-stars have paid tributes to the actor on social media. Stephen Fry, who starred alongside Coltrane in Alfresco, said: “Such depth, power and talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups and honking as we made our first TV show Alfresco.

“Farewell, old fellow, you’ll be so dreadfully missed.”

The official James Bond Twitter page tweeted: “Robbie Coltrane’s passing is a tragic loss to the world. He was an exceptional actor whose talent knew no bounds.”

Fellow Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who played Hermione, released a statement on her Instagram story, saying: “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.

“[…] I’ll really miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs, and your hugs. You made us a family. Know you were that to us.”

Many other public figures paid their tributes to Coltrane, among them First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who tweeted: “Very sad news. He had such range and depth as an actor, from brilliant comedy to hard-edged drama.

“Robbie Coltrane, Scottish entertainment legend – you will be hugely missed. RIP.”

In her statement, Coltrane’s agent thanked the staff at Forth Valley hospital for their “care and diplomacy” and requested that the public allow Coltrane’s family to grieve in peace.