Robbie Coltrane: Pierce Brosnan pays tribute to 'dear friend' and GoldenEye co-star

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has paid tribute to Robbie Coltrane following the Scottish actor's death on 14 October, 2022.

Coltrane played Russian arms dealer Valentine Zukovsky opposite Brosnan's Bond in his 007 debut, 1995's GoldenEye, before returning for a second time in 1999's The World Is Not Enough.

Sharing his condolences on Instagram, Brosnan wrote: "Im so sorry to hear the news of my dear friend Robbie Coltranes passing.

Read more: Tributes pour in for Robbie Coltrane

"We had so many good laughs through out our days making the James Bond movies. “Goldeneye” and “The World Is Not Enough” …the second photo is from our first days shoot on “Goldeneye” at Leavesdon [sic] studios.

"I cannot think of a finer actor and man of humanity and humor to share the world stage with on such a day as that so many years ago. My sincere condolences, prayers love and respect to the family."

The Scottish actor starred in a number of classic British franchises and shows during his career including 007, Blackadder and Harry Potter, where he starred as the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.

An outpouring of messages and fond memories were shared on social media following the news from his agent of 40 years, Belinda Wright, announcing that Coltrane had died on Friday.

Read more: Coltrane's daughter shares touching photo with late father

James Bond's long-term producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, described the actor’s death as a “tragic loss to the world”.

In a joint post to Twitter, they added: “He was an exceptional actor whose talent knew no bounds.

“He was beloved to Bond audiences as Valentin Zukovsky in GOLDENEYE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH as well as to millions who saw him in his multitude of roles.

“We shall miss him as a dear friend. Rest in peace Robbie.”

Harry Potter stars were also among those who remembered their time with Coltrane fondly.

Tom Felton, who starred as Draco Malfoy in the fantasy series, described Coltrane as a “big friendly giant” as he recalled shooting a scene with him during the first film.

“One of my fondest memories of filming Harry Potter was a night shoot on the first film in the forbidden forest,” Felton tweeted.

“I was 12. Robbie cared & looked after everyone around of him. Effortlessly. And made them laugh. Effortlessly.

“He was a big friendly giant on screen but even more so In real life. Love you mate – thank you for everything xx”

Watch: Tributes paid to Robbie Coltrane