8 Things You Didn’t Know About Robbie Coltrane

Anthony Robert McMillan OBE, known professionally as Robbie Coltrane, was a Scottish actor and comedian. He gained his worldwide recognition by playing the character of ‘Ruben’s Hagrid’ in the Harry Potter series, and in the James Bond film ‘Golden Eye’.

On October 14, Scottish artist Robbie Coltrane died unexpectedly. Here are some fascinating facts about the man known for his portrayal of his shaggy-haired gained Hagrid.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Robbie Coltrane

1. His Given Name was not Robbie Coltrane 

His real identity is Anthony Robert McMillan. But he changed his name after becoming an actor. His stage name is Coltrane is a tribute in honor of jazz legend John Coltrane. ^[1]

2. Aspires to be an Artist 

Robbie Coltrane went to the Glasgow School of art to study sketching, artwork, and cinematography after graduation from high school. Although, he stated that art school “open my mind in so many ways”. ^[2]

3. He Once Squatted in London House 

People often think the actor’s life must be glamorous, but in his early years, Coltrane shared an empty house in London’s Finchley Road with his few fellows. He claimed that the group repaired the property despite the council’s warning, that it is unsafe for living. ^[3]

4. He Turned Down The Offer from Hollywood 

Steven Spielberg was a fan of Coltrane’s British TV series Cracker, and he was offered several US TV shows after playing the criminal psychologist.  To be near his kids, he decided to remain in the United Kingdom.

5. He Isn’t Quite Mannered Always 

Coltrane is renowned for going over and beyond to maintain his privacy. Coltrane famously describes alcohol as his “undoing”. He has yelled at TV personality Piers Morgan outside the Ivy, in London celebrities hangout. 

6. He Is Well-known For His Secrecy

In an interview, Coltrane is known to go to long lengths to maintain his privacy. He frequently refuses to answer the questions and then once threatened a Guardian journalist, by saying, “If you write I will kill you “.

7. He Also Developed Osteoarthritis 

Robbie Coltrane was informed by his physician that he needed to lose more than 40 kg to be treated because he had no cartilage left in his knee. In a National Treasure, the star can be seen using a walking stick to move. ^[4]

8. His Outstanding Contribution To Films

Coltrane played loved gentle giant Hagrid in all eight films in the Harry Potter series, which were released over a ten-year period. He was made an OBE in the 2006 New Year’s honors list for his services to drama, and he was awarded the BAFTA Scotland Award for outstanding contribution to film in 2011.