Daniel Radcliffe Mourns Passing of Veteran Actor Richard Griffiths, 65

"Harry Potter" linchpin Daniel Radcliffe is mourning the death of fellow British actor and "Harry Potter" co-star Richard Griffiths, known for playing Potter's mean uncle Vernon Dursley in the world-famous franchise. The OBE and Laurence Olivier awarded actor passed away on March 28 following complications after heart surgery.

In a statement, Radcliffe paid homage to the actor in recognizing the role Griffiths played in his career. Radcliffe said, "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."

Best known to younger generations as Vernon Dursley, Griffiths gained attention and accolades as Uncle Monty in "Withnail & I" (1987) and Hector in the 2004 stage hit "The History Boys" and its 2006 screen adaptation. Both are posh, gay characters that led many fans to think Griffiths was gay. He is survived, however, by his wife of over thirty years, actress Heather Gibson.