Villagers have paid tribute to legendary Scots actor and Killearn resident Robbie Coltrane after he died last week aged 72.
Mr Coltrane’s agent, Belinda Wright, confirmed his passing on Friday and thanked medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital for their “care and diplomacy”.
In a statement, she said: “My client and friend Robbie Coltrane OBE passed away on Friday, October 14.
“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.”
Mr Coltrane is survived by his sister, Annie Rae, his children – Spencer and Alice – and their mother Rhona Gemmell.
The iconic actor was born in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, but moved to the west Stirlingshire village in later life.
He was at one point a familiar face in the Killearn and the surrounding villages, but more recently was rarely seen as he battled with his health.
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Residents took to community Facebook pages to share their memories of the Harry Potter star.
One posted: “A real loss, I met him many a time in the village and we had great chats mainly about engines and cars, which he had a soft spot for.”
Another recalled a humorous tale at a village shop. They posted: “He was next to me in the Co-op line when the checkout assistant asked: ‘Do you have a Co-op members card?’, I replied no, just a payment card. ‘Then you must die!!!!’ he roared theatrically. Good memories.”
One person said: “Met him many times when working in the Co-op. Always a big personality to go with his size and his cars that filled the streets of the village.
“Mum and dad were reminiscing on the time he knocked an old lady into the freezer in the Spar once by accident. Many happy memories of a lovely man. May he rest in peace.”
Another posted added: “I met him a few times too over the years. Lovely guy.
“One time I stopped my car to get a bee out and he asked if I’d like to use his phone to get help but then I told him I was fine, just freeing a bee!”
One poster said: “Very sad news met him a lot while working in the Spar. I remember just before I finished to go on maternity leave he took my hand and kissed it and wished me all the best. When I went back after a year he remembered and we had a wee chat about my daughter. Lovely man he will be missed by so many. RIP Robbie.”
He undertook a number of memorable role throughout a career that started in 1979.
He starred in iconic comedy series Blackadder in 1987.
In 1993 he took on the role of Dr Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald in Cracker which catapulted him to fame.
He then shot to worldwide fame as Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise.
In 2005, he starred in classic Scots sitcom Still Game.
Other projects he was involved in throughout his career included roles in the James Bond film GoldenEye, American series Frasier, Tutti Frutti and The Young Ones.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling also paid tribute. She said: “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. I send my love and deepest condolences to his family, above all his children.”
House actor Hugh Laurie added his own memory. He posted: “I used to ride with Robbie Coltrane between Manchester and London in his sort-of-restored MGA. I’d roll him cigarettes while he discoursed on the ways of the world, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or learned so much in my life.”
Actor, broadcaster, comedian, director, and writer Stephen Fry said: “I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago. I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & 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.”
