Acclaimed British Actor And Harry Potter’s Uncle Died

Richard Griffiths, an acclaimed British actor perhaps best known for his role as Vernon Dursley, Harry Potter‘s mean uncle, died yesterday. The Los Angeles Times reports that he died from complications following heat surgery. He was only 65.

Mr. Griffiths again starred with Daniel Radcliffe in the play Equus. He did quite a lot of theater, including The History Boys for which he won a Tony. He also reprised his History Boys role in the film. Personally I loved his role in the first episode of Episodes, starring Matt LeBlanc. That was a good show. A spot-on satirical look at American television and Hollywood. He plays a renowned British actor in a beloved British television show being adapted for America. Even though he’s a respected British actor, he’s still required to audition for the American version, and things go horribly wrong when he’s asked to do the audition with an American accent. He loses the role to Matt LeBlanc. It’s like how he once said,

If I had my way, all actors over 55 would be issued a 3-lb. wet salmon with which to slap the face of every young, beautiful, successful upstart. ‘That’s for being so lucky, you bastard!’ I would shout. And then, hit them again, if you can.

Rest in peace, old boy.