It is with a very heavy heart that we type this post.  Richard Griffiths, best known to us as Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter series, has passed away last night at age 65. He died of complications following heart surgery.  Sir Nicholas Hytner, director of the National Theatre, said Griffiths’s unexpected death would devastate his “army of friends”. He said: “Richard Griffiths wasn’t only one of the most loved and recognisable British actors – he was also one of the very greatest.”

Daniel Radcliffe also stated, “Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career [Harry Potter and Equus]. I was proud to know him.”

Richard has had a long career in film, television and theatre and was awarded an OBE in 2008 for his service to drama.  Fellow Potter actor Warwick Davis had this to say about Griffiths: “You got a great deal of support (as an actor) for having Richard about. He was lovely, he would always make time for his fans, that’s what makes a great actor, it’s about having a good persona.”

Thank you Richard, for all the joy you have given fans throughout your career. You will always be remembered.

The telegraph has posted a short video montage of Richard in his most well known roles: