British actor, Richard Griffiths, who was well known for his stage acting and "Harry Potter" died on Thursday from complications following heart surgery at University Hospital in Coventry, reports the Los Angeles Times. He was 65.
Although the actor was well respected for his roles on stage in Shakespeare or Neil Simon, Griffiths will most likely be best remembered for his portrayal of the mean Uncle Vernon in the "Harry Potter" films which ran from 2001-2011.
Griffiths said he enjoyed playing Uncle Vernon, "because that gives me a license to be horrible to kids."
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter and shared the stage with Griffiths previously on Broadway and in London in "Equus", shared his emotions about the passing of his good friend.
"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." He said. "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."
Another co-worker, Richard E. Grant, who Griffiths worked with on "Withnail and I" shared his sadness as well.
"My beloved 'Uncle Monty' Richard Griffiths died last night," Grant tweeted Friday. "Chin-Chin my dear friend."
Griffiths won an Olivier Award and Tony Award for his performance of "Hector" in the Alan Bennett school drama, "The History Boys." He also appeared in the 2006 film adaptation.
Griffiths was born in England's Thormaby-on-Tees in 1947 to blind and mute parents, according to the LA Times. He is survived by his wife, Heather Gibson.
