He was probably best known to a generation as Harry Potter's awful uncle Vernon Dursely, but we're very sad to report that Richard Griffiths had passed away at the age of 65.
BBC News says the actor, who played Uncle Monty in the cult 1987 movie Withnail & I, and Hector in the film version of Alan Bennett's The History Boys, died following complications from heart surgery at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.
Born in 1947, he had a rather successful career, securing roles in popular TV shows like Doctor Who, and Pie In The Sky, a light-hearted police drama in which he played on-duty policeman Henry Crabbe. He had similar luck in the film industry, appearing alongside Leslie Nielsen in The Naked Gun franchise, and joining Johnny Depp in Sleepy Hollow.
Daniel Radcliffe led tributes to the actor, who also starred alongside him in Equus. "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", the Harry Potter star said.
"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."
Mr Griffiths is survived by his wife of 33 years, Heather Gibson
RIP
