In Memory of Richard Griffiths (1948-2013)

Richard Griffiths (1948-2013)


Last month, English actor Richard Griffiths, known for portraying Harry's terrible uncle Vernon Dursley in the "Harry Potter" film series, passed away at age 65 on March 28th, 2013, after experiencing problems with heart surgery.

Beginning about in the 70s, Richard earned a top spot at BBC Radio and then worked in small theatres, some acting roles and some managing. His early reputation started as Shakespearean comic reliefs in plays like "The Comedy of Errors" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor" from the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he went to play the King in Henry VIII. Richard moved to Manchester eventually and began to do lead roles in play productions. He entered to appear in television and debuted in film in "It Should Happen to a Vet". Then in the early 80s, he starred in a television serial show for the BBC called "Bird of Prey" and again in 1984 in its sequel. Landing in supporting roles that Richard does appear in throughout his movie career is "The French Lieutenant's Woman", "Chariots of Fire", "Gandhi", "Gorky Park", "Withnail and I", "King Ralph", and a whole slew.

In 2001 he took on the part of Vernon in the "Harry Potter" features, appearing in all five of them. With his Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe, they appeared together in the stage revival of "Equus". In 2009, Griffiths took over the part of W.H. Auden, previously intended for Michael Gambon in "The Habit of Art" before it premiered at the National Theatre. Griffiths also has played in adaptations of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", especially playing the Vogon Jeltz in the 2005 theatrical version. In 2006, he was at Teesside University, receiving an honorary degree and in the 2008 New Year Honours, where he was first appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

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