Trending Now: Harry Potter actor remembered by fans on anniversary of tragic death – Fans React

The beloved British actor known for playing Uncle Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films died after complications from heart surgery

A beloved actor recognized for his roles in the Harry Potter films who passed away following complications from heart surgery has been remembered on the anniversary of his death.

Richard Griffiths, who portrayed Uncle Vernon Dursley in the franchise, died on this day in 2013 (28 March) – and now renewed tributes are being shared in memory of the star.

The acclaimed stage and screen actor was also celebrated for his portrayal of Uncle Monty in Withnail And I and starred in his own TV comedy crime series, Pie In The Sky, which featured Griffiths as an unwilling detective operating a restaurant while navigating local police politics.

On Facebook, admirers have been reflecting on Griffiths’ talent 13 years after his death – with one fan noting: “What an amazing actor and really made such an impression,” while another commented: “Withnail and I was his crowning glory as Uncle Monty,” and a third simply stating two words: “Brilliant actor.”

Following his death, Daniel Radcliffe – his Harry Potter co-star – led the tributes, commending the actor whose “encouragement, tutelage and humour” made their collaboration “a joy”. Radcliffe, who also performed alongside Griffiths in Equus, remarked: “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 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.” Radcliffe was present at Griffiths’ funeral, reports the Mirror.

The beloved actor left the majority of his £1.5million estate to his wife Heather, his partner of 33 years. The couple had no children, though probate records revealed he also left bequests to other close ones. Among those was his godson, comedian Jack Whitehall.

Griffiths featured in five Harry Potter installments, though his character was written out of both Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire and Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince.

His early television work included roles in beloved series such as Minder, The Sweeney, and Bergerac. His extensive film resume includes acclaimed titles such as Chariots Of Fire, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, GoldenEye, Gandhi, and The Naked Gun 2 1/2.

His remarkable talent earned him numerous prestigious honors, including a Laurence Olivier Award for his memorable portrayal of the inspirational teacher Hector in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys – a role that also secured him a Tony Award when the production transferred to Broadway.

Growing up as the son of deaf parents, he mastered sign language early in life and cultivated a talent for imitating various dialects, skills that would serve him well professionally.

He gained a reputation for confronting audience members whose phones rang during theater performances, often halting the production to address the disruption. During a 2005 performance of The History Boys, he paused mid-scene to declare: “I am asking you to stand up, leave this auditorium and never, ever come back.”