Robbie Coltrane, the Scottish actor who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter saga, dies at 72

British actor Robbie Coltrane, best known for his role as

in the Harry Potter films, died Friday at the age of 72, his agent said.

“Robbie was uniquely talented, sharing the Guinness Book of World Records award for winning three consecutive Baftas for Best Actor for his portrayal of

on the Granada TV series

in 1994, 1995 and 1996 with

Michael Gambon,” Belinda Wright wrote in a statement.

Actor Robbie Coltrane at the 'Great Expectations' photo call on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in London, UK.National Pictures / National Pictures/Invision/AP

But the role for which many will remember him is that of

friend and guardian of the keys and grounds of Hogwarts, the school of magic,

causing a flow of fan letters every week for over 20 years," added Wright.

He also appeared in the James Bond films

(1995) and

(1999).

In 2006 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.

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

Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid in the Harry Potter film.Mary Evans/Warner Bros. Entertainment/Ronald Grant/Everett Collection

Although it does not specify the cause of his death, the family thanks the medical staff of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Scotland, "for their care and diplomacy," according to the statement.

"I will remember him as a forever loyal client. As well as being a terrific actor with forensic intelligence and brilliant wit. Having been his agent for forty years, he will be missed," Wright said.