Richard Griffiths, who starred in Harry Potter films, died at the age of 65, following complications that developed from heart surgery at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire. Richard Griffiths was much loved for his roles in ‘The History Boys’, ‘Withnail & I’ and ‘Pie In The Sky’. Most recently, he etched himself into the minds of young audience by playing the utterly insensitive Uncle Vernon’s role in Harry Potter films.

The actor’s best known roles included his turn as the lascivious Uncle Monty in the cult 1987 movie ‘Withnail & I’, and as Hector in the stage and film version of Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys’. Richard Griffiths worked with A-list directors and featured in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’ and Tim Burton’s ‘Sleepy Hollow’ . Richard Griffiths also dabbled with TV comedies like ‘The Vicar Of Dibley’, ‘Ted And Ralph’ and ‘Lovejoy’.

Between 1994 and 1997, Richard Griffiths starred in the BBC series ‘Pie In The Sky’ as detective-turned-restaurateur Henry Crabbe. Having originally made his name on stage with Shakespearean roles including Falstaff and Bottom, he appeared last year as the Duke of Burgundy in Henry V as part of the BBC’s celebrated Hollow Crown series. Richard Griffiths earned the OBE for his contribution to the field of drama in 2008.

Paying tribute to the famed theatrical actor was Daniel Radcliffe when he said that Richard Griffiths was by his side during two important moments of his 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. 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”, Daniel Radcliffe said.