Robert (Robbie) Coltrane


(Anthony Robert McMillan)

1950 - 2022

Comedian and actor. Born Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, his father was a general practitioner and his mother a teacher. He was educated at Glenalmond College and Glasgow School of Art. His career began in theatre, especially through partnership with John Byrne (b.1940) in The Slab Boys (1978) and Cuttin' the Rug (1980). His varied film roles include Defence of the Realm (1985) with fellow Scot Ian Bannen (1928-99), Mona Lisa (1986) with Bob Hoskins and Michael Caine, Nuns on the Run (1990) with Eric Idle, the Bond film Goldeneye (1995) with another Scot Alan Cumming (b.1965) and Message in a Bottle (1999) with Kevin Costner and Paul Newman. Other roles included a cardinal in Derek Jarman's Caravaggio (1986) and as Falstaff in Kenneth Branagh's Henry V (1989). He gained broad international recognition starring as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, based on the books of J.K. Rowling.

Coltrane's television work included The Young Ones (1982 and 1984), Byrne's Tutti Frutti (1987) and Blackadder (1987 and 1989), together with three documentary series illustrating his love of engines and motor cars, each with accompanying books.

He was awarded an OBE in 1986 for his services to drama, won a remarkable three consecutive Best Actor BAFTAs for his portrayal of Fitz in the detective series Cracker in 1994, 1995 and 1996, and was awarded the BAFTA Scotland Award for outstanding contribution to film in 2011.

He died in the Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert. Coltrane will be remembered as a big personality with exceptional acting versatility.


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