A celebrated character actor who appeared in the Harry Potter films sadly died aged 65 after complication from heart surgery
A much-loved star known for appearing in the Harry Potter movies sadly died after complications from heart surgery. Richard Griffiths, known for playing Uncle Vernon Dursley in the film franchise, passed away on this day back in 2013 (28 March) – but now fresh tributes have been paid to the star.
The distinguished stage and screen performer was also known for playing Uncle Monty in Withnail And I and had his own TV comedy crime drama, Pie In The Sky, which featured Griffiths as a reluctant detective running a restaurant while managing local police politics.
On Facebook, fans commented on Griffiths’ brilliance 13 years since his passing – with one person saying: “What an amazing actor and really made such an impression,” while another added: “Withnail and I was his crowning glory as Uncle Monty,” and a third simply writing two words: “Brilliant actor.”
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When he died, Daniel Radcliffe – his Harry Potter co-star – headed the tributes, praising the actor whose “encouragement, tutelage and humour” transformed their work together into “a joy”. Radcliffe, who also shared the stage with Griffiths in Equus, reflected: “Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career.
“In August 2000, before official production had even begun on Potter, we filmed a shot outside the Dursleys’, which was my first ever shot as Harry. I was nervous and he made me feel at ease. Seven years later, we embarked on Equus together. It was my first time doing a play but, terrified as I was, his encouragement, tutelage and humour made it a joy.
“In fact, any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence. I am proud to say I knew him.” Radcliffe attended Griffiths’ funeral.
The star left the bulk of his £1.5million estate to his wife Heather, who he was married to for 33 years. They had no children but probate records showed that he also made bequests to other loved ones. The star’s godson is comedian Jack Whitehall.
Griffiths appeared in five Harry Potter films, but his part was written out in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire and Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince.
His early television career included appearances in popular series such as Minder, The Sweeney and Bergerac. His impressive filmography boasts titles like Chariots Of Fire, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, GoldenEye, Gandhi and The Naked Gun 2 1/2.
His acting skill earned numerous accolades, including a Laurence Olivier Award for his portrayal of the inspiring teacher Hector in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys. The same role also bagged him a Tony Award when the play moved to Broadway.
As the son of deaf parents, he learned sign language at a young age and also developed an ability for mimicking different dialects, which helped him in his career.
He was known to take issue with audience members’ phones ringing during theatrical performances, confronting offenders and even stopping the show. During a performance of The History Boys back in 2005, he stopped in the middle of his lines, commenting: “I am asking you to stand up, leave this auditorium and never, ever come back.”
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