WHY HE WAS LIVING IN EXILE
Despite his famous Harry Potter role, the late actor became a recluse
He amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune playing the beloved Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise. But Robbie Coltrane spent his final days living simply more than 8000km away from Hollywood in a rented dilapidated barn in the remote Scottish Highlands.
The actor, who had suffered from ill health for years and had been wheelchair-bound, died in a Scottish hospital on October 14, aged 72.
According to reports, Robbie – who became a household name with British TV crime series Cracker in the ’90s – first retreated from the public eye following his split from his wife of four years, sculptor Rhona Gemmell in 2003.
But sources say the publicity-shy actor also struggled with the spotlight Harry Potter mania put on him after the release of the first movie in 2001.
HOUSEBOUND
In recent years, neighbours say the star became virtually housebound as he battled the “24-hour pain” of osteoarthritis.
“Reclusive is definitely the word I would use to describe Robbie,” revealed his neighbour and landlord Andrew Edmonstone. “I have not seen him since a private dinner about five years ago or maybe more... He just does not want to be part of things in the community any longer. He has completely shrunken away from things. It’s very sad.”
Unable to drive, sources say the star was forced to rely on local takeaway deliveries.
The actor, who was a heavy drinker, did emerge from his self-imposed isolation to film reunion show Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return To Hogwarts, which screened in January.
“The legacy of the movies is... my children’s generation will show them to their children. So, you could be watching it in 50 years’ time, easily... I’ll not be here, sadly... but Hagrid will, yes,” he said during the special, where he was pictured for the last time before his death, chatting to co-star Emma Watson.
The actress, who played Hermione Granger in the hit movies, paid tribute to her co-star on social media.
“Robbie was like the most fun uncle I’ve ever had but most of all he was deeply caring, and compassionate towards me as a child and an adult,” the 32-year-old actress wrote. “His talent was so immense it made sense he played a giant – he could fill ANY space with his brilliance.”
“Robbie, if I ever get to be so kind as you were to me on a film set I promise I’ll do it in your name and memory. Know how much I adore and admire you. I’ll really miss your sweetness, your nicknames, your warmth, your laughs and your hugs.”