'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1' New York Red Carpet Premier
Cast members Robbie Coltrane (L) and Michael Gambon arrive at an event celebrating the launch of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" movie in DVD and digital formats, and the opening of an exhibition on the movie, in New York City April 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi

Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane is in hospital after falling ill on a flight from London to America to attend a Harry Potter convention.

The 64-year-old best known for his role as Rubeus Hagrid was on his way to attend "A Celebration of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios in Orlando when he came down with flu-like symptoms.

Paramedics were waiting for him when he landed and was immediately taken to hospital where he remained overnight, according to entertainment website, TMZ.

Michael Gambone, who plays Dumbledore in the popular Potter movies is claimed to have been on the flight.

A spokesman for Coltran confirmed the actor was taken ill during the British Airways flight from London.

He was allegedly drinking heavily in a London airport lounge before the flight.

The actor's TV and film career spans over 30 years. Coltrane, whose real name is Anthony Robert McMillan, had his first big screen hit in 1986's Mona Lisa, alongside Bob Hoskins.

The actor went on to star in the James Bond films GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough. His most iconic TV role is probably as the complex police psychologist, Cracker.

Thousands of Harry Potter fans attend the convention each year. Other stars due to turn up include twins James and Oliver Phelps who play Fred and George Weasley and Evanna Lynch.