Harry Potter actor Richard Griffiths passed away at the age of 65 on Thursday (Mar. 28) from complications after having heart surgery. The British actor was well known for his character, Uncle Vernon, in the hit movies, but had played many successful roles, including Uncle Monty in Withnail and I and his most recent performance in The Sunshine Boys.
Griffiths was also well known for his Tony Award winning part in The History Boys and for working alongside Harry Potter lead Daniel Radcliffe in Equus. Radcliffe released a statement on Friday following the news of Griffiths’ death:
“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 humor made it a joy. In fact, any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence.”
Griffiths is survived by his wife, Heather Gibson.