Richard Griffiths, better known as Uncle Vernon Dursley from the "Harry Potter" films has died. The actor passed away at age 65.
Uncle Vernon Dursley may have been an easily hated character in the "Harry Potter" films as the evil uncle to Harry, but he has a successful career and co-workers had nothing but nice things to say about Griffiths.
The film and theater actor died at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire in the U.K. following complications from heart surgery on Thursday.
Daniel Radcliffe shared the stage with Griffiths in "Equus" and the Harry Potter films and he told The Guardian newspaper he's "proud to say I knew him."
"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," Radcliffe recalled. "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 had a successful acting career. He receive a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway show, "The History Boys." He also starred in a film based on this play. He is also well-known for his role in the film "Withnail and I."
"Richard Griffiths wasn't only one of the most loved and recognizable British actors - he was also one of the very greatest," Sir Nicholas Hynter, director of "The History Boys," said, according to Yahoo.
Griffiths, who was born to two deaf parents, left school when he was 15 to pursue acting. He started out with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Griffiths is survived by his wife, Heather Gibson, who he met while performing Lady Windermere's Fan." In 1973.
"Richard gave acting a good name," the star's agent, Simon Beresford, said in a statement. "He was a remarkable man and one of our greatest and best-loved actors. He will be greatly missed."
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