Richard Griffiths, Harry Potter Star, Dead

Truth rating: 10

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Richard Griffiths, a Tony-winning actor who starred in the Harry Potter movies, has died.

The stage and screen actor succumbed to complications from heart surgery on Thursday at age 65.

Griffiths played Harry’s Uncle Vernon in five of the Potter films, and also teamed up with star Daniel Radcliffe in a London production of Equus.

The star won his Tony, for best actor in a play, in 2006 for The History Boys.

Griffiths’ other noteworthy credits include roles in Withnail and I and Ghandi.

He was slated to star opposite Danny DeVito in a Los Angeles production of The Sunshine Boys later this year.

In a statement, Radcliffe shared his memories of Griffiths, revealing, “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 Dursley’s, 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,” he continued. “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. I am proud to say I knew him.”

Griffiths is survived by his wife.

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