Graduated from the Glasgow School of Art where he majored in drawing, painting and film.

Was the very first person to be cast in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer`s Stone (2001). In fact, he was selected for the role of Hagrid by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

Though he says he took his stage name from musician John Coltrane, his name is actually closer to that of John`s son, Ravi Coltrane.

Personally selected by J.K. Rowling as her favorite choice to play Hagrid.

Attended the world renowned Scottish boarding school, Glenalmond College, in Perthshire, Scotland.

He was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2006 New Year`s Honours List for his services to drama.

Only took the role of Hagrid in the Harry Potter series after his children urged him to do so.

Has appeared in eight films opposite a former member of Monty Python`s Flying Circus. His cast mate in Nuns on the Run (1990) and European Vacation (1985) was Eric Idle. He appeared in The World Is Not Enough (1999), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer`s Stone (2001), and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), all of which also starred John Cleese. He also appeared in Billy Connolly: A BAFTA Tribute (2002) (TV), A Night of Comic Relief 2 (1989) (TV) and The Secret Policeman`s Biggest Ball (1989) (TV), all of which featured Michael Palin.

Frequently plays giants and has to wear padding, lifts, and has to be shot from below, in such film as the "Harry Potter" series, where he played "Hagrid", and in Van Helsing (2004), where he was generated into a computer to play a bear-sized "Mr. Hyde".

Has two children: Alice and Spencer.

Graduated from the Glasgow School of Art where he majored in drawing, painting and film

Son born c. 1992; daughter born c. 1998