Richard Griffiths Passes Away, Age 65

Richard Griffiths (aka Vernon Dursley from the Harry Potter films; Uncle Monty in Withnail and I; Henry Crabbe in Pie in the Sky; and King George II in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) has passed away, age 65.

The respected actor, who once won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor, passed away in England yesterday from complications due to heart surgery. His pale complexion and weight gain had been well noted by fans of the actor, who noticed him getting larger in each successive Harry Potter film.

In addition to his film work, Griffiths also won a Tony Award for his role in The History Boys and starred alongside Harry Potter co=star Daniel Radcliffe in the controversial Equus back in 2007.

"Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career," said Radcliffe. Recalling his first shot as boy wizard Harry Potter in 2000, Radcliffe said: "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."

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans today as they struggle to come to terms with his loss.

What was your favourite part of Griffiths'? Let us know over at the forum.