Richard Griffiths is an English actor, who earned much attention for the portrayal of Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films as well as in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Griffiths was born on July 31m 1947 in Thornaby-on-Tees, Stockton, England and had a Catholic Upbringing. His mother and father were both deaf, which immediately led him to learn sign language at the young age for him to communicate with both of them. When he was still in his childhood days, Griffiths tried to run away from his home for several times. In addition, Griffiths left out of Our Lady & St. Bede School at the age of 15 and then worked as a porter for a while. However, his boss finally convinced him to return on school. he then made a decision to enter a drama class at the Stockton & Billingham College. He then pursued his studies in Drama at Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama.
After he graduated, Griffiths had a spot on the BBC Radio. In addition, Griffiths also worked in small theatres, sometimes acting and managing. He then settled in Machester and started on portraying lead roles. He subsequently started on appearing on TV and he had his break when he was included in the casts of the film entitled, It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet. In year 1980s, he was chosen to portray the lead role in the BBC drama series called, Bird of Prey, which eventually led her to have supporting roles in various films. He then appeared in The French Lieutenant’s Woman, and in the drama film of Chariots of Fire as well as in the biographical film of Gandhi, where he portrayed the role of Collins. In year 1991, he portrayed the role of Magistrate Philipse in the 1999 horror film called, Sleepy Hollow, which also starred Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci.
Moreover, Griffiths was included in the casts of the Harry Potter films as the wicked uncle of Harry Potter, Vernon Dursley. Aside from Harry Potter, Griffiths most notable portrayal was in the British drama series called, Pie in the Sky, where he portrayed the lead role of Dl Henry Crabbe. He then appeared together with Daniel Radcliffe in the stage revival of Peter Shaffer’s Equus at the Gielgud Theater in London. In year 2009, he became the replacement of Michael Gambon in The Habit of Art. In year 2005, he appeared as Mr. Bayham Badger in the TV drama series called, Bleak House. In year 2007, he also appeared in the TV film of Ballet Shoes, where he portrayed the role of great Uncle Matthew, together with Emma Watson and Yasmin Paige as well as Lucy Boynton. On the following year, he appeared as Santa Claus in the NBC TV special called, A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa. He also included in the casts of the 2011 TV series entitled, Episodes.
Richard Griffiths Photo Gallery
