Robbie Coltrane Biography
Robbie Coltrane OBE (30 March 1950 – 14 October 2022) was a Scottish actor and comedian who left a lasting impact in the entertainment industry with his talent and versatility.
Born as Anthony Robert McMillan, he was raised in Rutherglen and attended Belmont House School and Glenalmond College. He later pursued art at the Glasgow School of Art, where he honed his skills in painting. However, he soon discovered his talent for acting and adopted the stage name Coltrane in tribute to jazz saxophonist John Coltrane.
Robbie Coltrane’s acting career took off in the 1980s when he appeared in several films such as Flash Gordon, Death Watch, Mona Lisa, and The Fruit Machine. He gained national prominence with his portrayal of criminal psychologist Dr. Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald in the ITV television series Cracker, for which he won three consecutive British Academy Television Awards for Best Actor.
Robbie Coltrane went on to star in several big-screen productions including, playing Bond’s former rival now ally Valentin Zukovsky in the James Bond films GoldenEye (1995) and The World Is Not Enough (1999), as well as the role of half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series.
Coltrane was also a man of many passions and had a deep interest in transportation. He presented several documentaries on his travels and his love for automobiles, including Coltrane in a Cadillac, where he drove a 1951 Cadillac Series 62 coupe convertible from Los Angeles to New York City. In Coltrane’s Planes and Automobiles, he explored the world of engines and transportation, showcasing his expertise and enthusiasm.
Aside from his acting career, Robbie Coltrane was also a talented voice actor and lent his voice to several animated films, including The Tale of Despereaux, Brave, Gooby, and The Gruffalo. He was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to drama. Robbie Coltrane was married to Rhona Gemmell, a pilates instructor, and had two children.
Unfortunately, Coltrane suffered from osteoarthritis in his later years and passed away at the age of 72. He will always be remembered as one of Scotland’s most talented actors and comedians, who entertained audiences for over four decades.
