Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Potter genius
Richard Griffiths Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe was 'proud to know him'
Griffiths died in hospital from complications following heart surgery. He was 65.
The celebrated stage and screen star, one of Britains best-known character actors, had enjoyed a glittering career over nearly 40 years.
On television his most notable role was as cookery-loving detective Henry Crabbe in Pie In The Sky.
But he will be best remembered for playing two contrasting uncles in the movies Daniel Radcliffes wicked Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter films and the lecherous Uncle Monty in the cult classic Withnail And I.
Yesterday, Radcliffe, who also appeared with Griffiths in the play Equus, said: Before official production had begun on Potter, we filmed my first ever shot as Harry. He made me feel at ease.
Seven years later, we embarked on Equus. It was my first time doing a play but 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.
Withnail And I stars Paul McGann and Richard E Grant also paid tribute. On Twitter McGann wrote: A mighty tree has fallen. Heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
He added: Wore his great skill lightly and his great heart out. Grant wrote: My beloved Uncle Monty Richard Griffiths died last night. Chin-Chin my dear friend.
Griffithss role as a tragic teacher in The History Boys won him an Olivier award and a Tony when the play transferred to Broadway. He also starred in the film version.
Richard Griffiths was praised for his wit, comic genius and tragic power
Any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence
Daniel Radcliffe
Sir Nicholas Hytner, director of the National Theatre, said the performance was a masterpiece of wit, delicacy, mischief and desolation, often simultaneously.
Sir Trevor Nunn praised Yorkshire-born Griffiths instinctive comic genius and tragic power.
Last year Griffiths starred in The Sunshine Boys in the West End alongside Danny DeVito. He was due to reprise the role in Los Angeles this September.
In 1980 he married actress Heather Gibson and they lived near Stratford-upon-Avon.
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