Robbie Coltrane’s cause of death revealed

Multiple health problems contributed to the death of beloved Scottish comedian and actor Robbie Coltrane at the age of 72, as revealed by his recently released death certificate.

Coltrane’s agent Belinda Wright released a statement confirming the star’s passing on Friday, October 14 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Scotland.

“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,” Wright said.

“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.”

It can now be revealed the Cracker star died from multiple organ failure, a lower respiratory infection, and blockages in his heart according to his death certificate which TMZ obtained.

In addition to the multiple health problems that caused his death, Coltrane sadly suffered from “constant pain all day” in the years leading up to his death due to osteoarthritis.

Speaking with the Daily Star in 2016, Coltrane said he’d had to rely on the use of walking aids and wheelchairs as the condition had left him without any cartilage in the joint of his left knee.

“I’m in constant pain all day,” the BAFTA-winning star said.

“I had an exploratory operation and they discovered I had no cartilage left in one of my knees.

“It’s completely disintegrated. And they told me it’s osteoarthritis.

“People are probably wondering why I’m hobbling about in the way I am and that is why.”

Born March 30, 1950 in Rutherglen, Scotland, Coltrane began his acting career in his early twenties with an appearance in the theatre production of The Slab Boys, at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in 1978.

His knack for comedy secured him roles in The Comic Strip Presents (1982–2012) series, as well as the comedy sketch, show Alfresco (1983–1984).

Television appearances soon followed on shows such as The Young Ones, Tutti Frutti and as Samuel Johnson in Blackadder the Third.

His most critically acclaimed role on the small screen came as criminal psychologist, Dr Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald, in the British crime drama series Cracker.

The show won the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series in 1995 and 1996 and secured Coltrane the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for three consecutive years from 1994 to 1996.

Following his success with Cracker, Coltrane secured roles in the James Bond films GoldenEye in 1995 and The World Is Not Enough in 1999.

However, Coltrane gained worldwide recognition for his portrayal of Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.

Following the news of his death, Daniel Radcliffe who played the titular character alongside Coltrane was among the first to pay tribute to the late actor, releasing a statement reflecting on the “fond memories” he shared with the actor on set.

“Robbie was one of the funniest people I’ve met and used to keep us laughing constantly as kids on the set,” Radcliffe said.

“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 celebrities and fans alike were quick to pay tribute to Coltrane while sharing their treasured memories of the late star.

English actor and comedian Stephen Fry spoke of Coltrane’s “depth and power”, claiming he will be “so dreadfully missed”.

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 & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) October 14, 2022

While British actor Hugh Laurie shared a special memory he shared with Coltrane.

I hope it’s OK to spout memories: 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.

— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) October 14, 2022

The Vicar of Dibley star, Dawn French, also paid tribute to a “loving friend”.

A giant. Literally.
A loyal,funny,
loving friend, such a huge loss.I remember this day so well. Bye big man. ❤️ https://t.co/Qeo8LieNnT

— Dawn French ????????????️‍???????????? (@Dawn_French) October 16, 2022

Robbie Coltrane (RIP) will always be Doctor Johnson to me. pic.twitter.com/8QxZmqcMoj

— Phil Quin (@philquin) October 14, 2022

Sad to hear about the loss of Robbie Coltrane. He earned his place in the upper echelon of Bond allies from the very beginning. RIP pic.twitter.com/BNS9vLail3

— Kevin Let Die ???? (@KevBot_007) October 14, 2022

Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice, and their mother, Rhona Gemmell.