The 68-year-old actor, who played friendly giant Rubeus Hagrid, is unable to walk and is awaiting life-changing knee surgery
HARRY Potter actor Robbie Coltrane is now confined to a wheelchair due to crippling pain from his osteoarthritis.
The star, 69, who played friendly giant Rubeus Hagrid in all eight films of the hit franchise, is currently unable to walk while he awaits life-changing knee surgery.
The beloved actor made his first public appearance in a wheelchair at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London on Monday night to launch Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike ride in Universal Orlando.
A source said: “Robbie has been in constant pain for years now, with his knee constantly deteriorating.
“It’s left him unable to walk without any assistance and he’s been given a wheelchair while he waits to have a special surgical procedure in America to repair his joint.
“He was wheeled in and out of the Harry Potter event on Monday which came as a big shock to fans given they’re so used to seeing him standing strong and tall as Hagrid.
“It’s hugely frustrating for him but he’s really hoping to be back on his feet after getting the operation.”
Robbie opened up about being in a wheelchair at the Potter event, admitting he’s “due a new knee”.
However, he was quick to add that once he finally has surgery he’ll be “leaping around like an elf.”
The actor used a walking stick in Channel 4 drama National Treasure back in 2016 after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
Speaking about the condition, which is caused by a breakdown of cartilage, he said: “I’m in constant pain all day.
“I had an exploratory operation and they discovered I had no cartilage left in one of my knees.
“It’s completely disintegrated. And they told me it’s osteoarthritis.
“People are probably wondering why I’m hobbling about in the way I am and that is why.”
“People are probably wondering why I’m hobbling about in the way I am and that is why.”
The 20-stone-star also claimed doctors had ordered him to lose seven stone before he’s allowed to have the operation.
During the procedure, surgeons will use artificial components, including durable plastic polyethylene, to repair Robbie’s joint.
OSTEOPOROSIS is a painful and debilitating condition that weakens the bones, and makes them more likely to break.
It develops slowly over a number of years and is typically only spotted by doctors when a sufferer breaks a bone.
The most common injuries are wrist and hip fractures, as well as spinal fractures.
In some cases something as simple as a sneeze can cause a broken bone.
More than three million Brits are affected, and more than 500,000 receive hospital treatment for fractures in hospital every year.
It's more common in women, particularly post-menopause.
Lots of factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including:
Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent the condition, they include:
