Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” films, passed away on Friday at the age of 72.
The actor who won the British Academy Film Award appeared in all eight “Harry Potter” movies. In addition to those, he had roles in two “James Bond” films and the award-winning TV series “Cracker.” His representative has confirmed his passing to Deadline.
Coltrane, before his death, described himself as crippled and in “continuous anguish.” In 2016, he revealed to a British newspaper that he was suffering from osteoarthritis, a kind of arthritis marked by the breakdown of tissue in the joints.
According to the actor, he was in a lot of agony and couldn’t do anything because of his condition. In his later years, he required the assistance of a cane or wheelchair to get around.
I’m in pain all the time,” Coltrane sobbed to the Daily Star. “After doing an exploratory procedure, doctors found that one of my knees no longer had any cartilage. Everything about it has crumbled to pieces.”
British actor Robbie Coltrane passed away yesterday. In his later years, he struggled with chronic illness. I liked his TV drama series “Cracker”.
Robbie R.I.P.#RobbieColtrane pic.twitter.com/Nc8MoPHUWy— Eternal Shine MarilynMonroe (@MONOICBM) October 15, 2022
While filming 2012’s “Great Expectation” and 2016’s “National Treasure,” Coltrane informed the British media the Daily Express that he was “battling pain 24 hours a day.”
While the exact cause of osteoarthritis remains unknown, some of the risk factors listed by the Mayo Clinic include being overweight, having diabetes, being over the age of 60, and having a family history of the disease.
Initial signs of the condition may be rather moderate and include things like stiffness or soreness in the hands, knees, hips, neck, or lower back. Limited mobility, edema, and a change in bone structure are among the potential outcomes of osteoarthritis.
Researchers are still looking at the possible link between osteoarthritis and an early death.
The Arthritis Foundation reports that the inability to exercise and walk regularly increases the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases in people with osteoarthritis.
There is also an increased chance of bone breakage due to falling, which is exacerbated by the condition.
Coltrane pondered on the legacy of the “Harry Potter” franchise and his own mortality in an HBO special marking the 20th anniversary of the series.
Coltrane predicted that his grandchildren’s grandchildren will be viewing his films 50 years from now because of their legacy. “Unfortunately, neither Hagrid nor myself will be present.