FEMAIL reveals the varied fortunes of the Harry Potter franchise

A number of cast members have died, including Helen McCrory and Alan Rickman, who battled cancer Since then, some have gone on to enjoy A-list careers - while others have faced a more difficult journey First film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was released in 2001 and launched cast to superstardom Many of his co-stars, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, has come out and paid tribute to the star Tributes have flooded in following the sad news of Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane's death at the age of 72. Robbie Coltrane has died at the age of 72, his agent has announced, and is survived by his wife, sister and two children Coltrane played Hagrid, the Hogwarts Gamekeeper, in all eight of the Harry Potter films and was the first to be cast in the movies after JK Rowling personally picked him out Coltrane was awarded an OBE for services to drama in the 2006 list of honours Robbie Coltrane catches up with Emma Watson, who played Hermione in Harry Potter, at this year's 20th anniversary celebrations Coltrane character Hagrid was one of the most-loved characters from Rowling's magical series Coltrane got his huge acting break in the ITV drama Cracker, in which he starred as Dr Fitz Stars of the television comedy series Alfresco pose together in London on 25th April 1983. Clockwise from top left: Ben Elton, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson and Siobhan Redmond Coltrane pictured while starring in The Pope Must Die - one of many films for which he received high praise Robbie Coltrane pictured alongside his Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Alan Rickman Tom Felton and Emma Watson are among the Harry Potter stars who have so far paid tribute to Coltrane, who played Hagrid Daniel Radcliffe leads tributes as Coltrane's death at 72 is announced Daniel Radcliffe has remembered his Harry Potter co-star Robbie Coltrane as 'one of the funniest people' and an 'incredible actor' following his death aged 72. 'A complete one off': JK Rowling salutes Robbie Coltrane's performance as gamekeeper Hagrid in Harry Potter films while co-star Daniel Radcliffe reveals how the actor 'kept us laughing constantly as kids on the set' following his death aged 72 By Arthur Parashar Harry Potter author JK Rowling and lead actor in the film series Daniel Radcliffe have paid tribute to the late Robbie Coltrane after he died aged 72 today. In a heartfelt statement, accompanied with a touching image of the pair together, JK Rowling described Robbie Coltrane as 'a complete one off' Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, also paid tribute to his co-star Coltrane, remembering him as 'one of the funniest people' and an 'incredible actor' Coltrane's agent Belinda Wright had announced his death yesterday, describing the late actor as a 'unique talent' and said the 72-year-old Harry Potter star died on Friday.