Richard Griffiths

Birth Place: Thornaby-on-Tees, ENGLAND

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Richard Griffiths BIO

Richard Griffiths was a British actor known for his versatility and commanding stage presence. Born in North Yorkshire in 1947, Griffiths initially worked as a stage manager before deciding to pursue acting full-time. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and made his professional debut in a production of Joe Orton's "Entertaining Mr. Sloane" at the New Arts Theatre in 1969.
Griffiths quickly established himself as a formidable talent, and went on to appear in a wide range of productions on stage, screen, and television. He was particularly renowned for his work in the plays of Alan Bennett, with whom he had a close working relationship. He played the role of Hector in Bennett's "The History Boys" both on stage and in the 2006 film adaptation, earning critical acclaim and a number of awards for his performance.
Griffiths also had a notable career in film, appearing in a number of high-profile productions over the years. He played Uncle Vernon Dursley in the "Harry Potter" film series, and also had roles in movies like "Chariots of Fire," "Gandhi," and "Hugo." He was a versatile performer, equally adept at playing comedic and dramatic roles, and was highly respected by his peers in the industry.
On television, Griffiths was a familiar face to audiences around the world. He appeared in a number of popular British series, including "Pie in the Sky," "The Vicar of Dibley," and "Minder." He also had a recurring role on the HBO series "Six Feet Under," playing the character of Nathaniel Fisher, Sr.
Despite his success in other mediums, Griffiths remained devoted to the stage throughout his career. He appeared in a number of productions in London's West End, including "The Caretaker," "Equus," and "The History Boys." He also had a successful run on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for his performance in "The History Boys" in 2006.
Griffiths was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation, and his passing in 2013 was a great loss to the industry. His legacy, however, lives on through his many memorable performances on stage, screen, and television. His most recent work was in the 2012 film "Private Peaceful," in which he played the character of The Colonel.

Richard Griffiths Photos

Richard Griffiths STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2012
Willy Clark

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Martin Dysart

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Hector

Hector [Replacement]

Hector

Hector [Replacement]


Richard Griffiths Movies

It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet
[ 1976 ] Sam Broadbent
Superman II
[ 1980 ] Terrorist #3
Breaking Glass
[ 1980 ] Studio Engineer
The French Lieutenant's Woman
[ 1981 ] Sir Tom
Chariots of Fire
[ 1981 ] Head Porter-Caius College
Britannia Hospital
[ 1982 ] Cheerful Bernie
Gandhi
[ 1982 ] Collins
Gorky Park
[ 1983 ] Anton
A Private Function
[ 1984 ] Allardyce
Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes
[ 1984 ] Captain Billings
Shanghai Surprise
[ 1986 ] Willie Tuttle
Withnail & I
[ 1987 ] Monty
King Ralph
[ 1991 ] Phipps
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear
[ 1991 ] Dr. Meinheimer, Earl Hacker
Blame It on the Bellboy
[ 1992 ] Maurice Horton
Guarding Tess
[ 1994 ] Frederick
Funny Bones
[ 1995 ] Jim Minty
Sleepy Hollow
[ 1999 ] Magistrate Philipse
Vatel
[ 2000 ] Dr. Bourdelot
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
[ 2001 ] Uncle Vernon Dursley
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
[ 2002 ] Uncle Vernon
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
[ 2004 ] Uncle Vernon
Stage Beauty
[ 2004 ] Sir Charles Sedley
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
[ 2005 ] Jeltz
Lost in Love
[ 2005 ] Tierney
The History Boys
[ 2006 ] Hector
Venus
[ 2006 ] Donald
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
[ 2007 ] Vernon Dursley
Bedtime Stories
[ 2008 ] Barry Nottingham
National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art
[ 2010 ] Fitz, W.H. Auden
Jackboots on Whitehall
[ 2010 ] Hermann Goering
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
[ 2010 ] Vernon Dursley
Hugo
[ 2011 ] Monsieur Frick
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
[ 2011 ] King George
Private Peaceful
[ 2012 ] The Colonel

Richard Griffiths TV Shows

A Kind of Living
Trevor Beasley
Ffizz
Jack Mowbray
Nobody's Perfect
Sam Hooper
Pie in the Sky
Henry Crabbe
The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Alderman Ptolomy Tortoise, Sir Isaac Newton

Richard Griffiths Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Richard Griffiths, The History Boys

Olivier Awards - 2006 - Best Actor

Richard GriffithsHeroes


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Richard Griffiths, The History Boys


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2006 - Performance

Richard Griffiths, The History Boys


winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Richard Griffiths, The History Boys


winner
Olivier Awards - 2005 - Best Actor

Richard GriffithsThe History Boys


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2004 - Best Actor

Richard GriffithsThe History Boys

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Comedy Performance of the Year

Richard GriffithsOnce In A Lifetime

Richard Griffiths Videos

Richard Griffiths News


Robert Sheehan Will Lead Stage Adaptation of WITHNAIL AND I at Birmingham Rep

Robert Sheehan will lead the previously announced stage adaptation of Bruce Robinson’s 1987 British tragi-comedy film, Withnail and I, premiering at Birmingham Rep this May. The cast will also include Adonis Siddique and Malcolm Sinclair. 

THE HISTORY BOYS Will Stage a 20th Anniversary Production at Theatre Royal Bath This Summer

Alan Bennett’s modern classic The History Boys will make a return to stage in the 20th anniversary production opening at Theatre Royal Bath with performances from Thursday 22 August – Saturday 31 August prior to a national tour. 

Stage Adaptation of WITHNAIL AND I to Premiere at Birmingham Rep in 2024

A brand new adaptation of Bruce Robinson’s 1987 British tragi-comedy film, Withnail and I, will be directed by the double Olivier Award-winning Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep, Sean Foley and designed by Alice Power.

Actor Sir Michael Gambon Dies Aged 82

Sir Michael Gambon, who had an acting career that took him from Laurence Olivier’s nascent National Theatre to screen roles in the Harry Potter films, has died at the age of 82.

Daniel Radcliffe and Girlfriend Erin Darke Welcome First Baby

Congratulations to Daniel Radcliffe and his girlfriend Erin Darke on welcoming their first baby! No further details have been released at this time.

Videos: Daniel Radcliffe Joins The Trevor Project For LGBTQ+ Chat Series SHARING SPACE

Actor Daniel Radcliffe joins The Trevor Project on the first episode of their new web series, Sharing Space, featuring candid conversations with LGBTQ young people. The talks will illuminate their unique personal journeys and explore what genuine allyship looks like. See a video preview of the first episode of 'Sharing Space'!

Daniel Radcliffe and Erin Darke are Expecting First Child

Daniel Radcliffe, who can next be seen in the Broadway transfer of NYTW's Merrily We Roll Along, and his longtime partner Erin Darke have revealed that they are expecting their first child. 

Danny DeVito Will Return to Broadway in Theresa Rebeck's I NEED THAT; Roundabout Announces 2023-2024 Season

Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced the Broadway and Off-Broadway line-up for the 2023-2024 season. Check out all the details on who, what, when, and where!

Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez Join Daniel Radcliffe in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG at New York Theatre Workshop

Jonathan Groff will star as “Franklin” and Lindsay Mendez will star as “Mary” in Merrily We Roll Along at New York Theatre Workshop. Merrily We Roll Along features music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by George Furth. They join the previously announced Daniel Radcliffe, who will star as “Charley”.

Bob Gunton, John Rubinstein, & Carolyn McCormick to Star in THE SOAP MYTH in The Hamptons This Summer

Bob Gunton, a two-time Tony nominee, Drama Desk and Obie winner (Sweeney Todd, Evita, How I Got That Story) will return to the New York area stage after a thirty-year hiatus to star in the acclaimed drama The Soap Myth by Drama Desk winner Jeff Cohen Aug 10-28 at Southampton Cultural Center.

Rob Ashford to Direct New Production of SHERLOCK HOLMES

Producer Antonio Marion has announced that Tony and Olivier Award-winning director, Rob Ashford, is set to direct a brand-new production of Sherlock Holmes, a stage epic by British writing team Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, with Akram Khan joining as choreographer.

Pete Tong MBE to be Honored With Music Industry Trusts Award 2021

There are few individuals in the world of dance music who can claim the kind of influence Pete Tong MBE has had over the last three decades, publicly and behind the scenes: revered as an arena-selling artist, DJ, music producer, A&R, and the voice of Radio 1’s prestigious dance programming.

Guest Blog: Opera Star Kim Begley Talks Joining Forces On 'King Lear'

The celebrated tenor Kim Begley made his Royal Opera House debut in 1983 and has since then established himself at the forefront of the repertoire, with credits ranging from Britten to Busoni, Wagner to Brett Dean's opera of Hamlet. In keeping wih Shakespeare, if not this time round with singing, Begley has joined a starry lineup of British opera world names to perform King Lear later this month at the Grange Festival for three performances - and we're talking the play in its full, unadultered majesty and not the opera, with Sit John Tomlinson as Lear, Thomas Allen as Gloucester, and Begley as the Fool, and many other notable names besides. As it happens, Begley cut his teeth as a performer some years back with the Royal Shakespeare Company and explains this return to his classical roots below. 

Original Theatre Company Will Share Filmed Performances Online

In light of the closure of theatres across the UK due to COVID-19, the Original Theatre Company's productions of Alan Bennett's THE HABIT OF ART and Ali Milles's THE CROFT, both of which were touring the UK, will now each have an online launch performance.

THE HABIT OF ART Performance To Be Filmed For Download

In light of the most recent government advice due to COVID-19, The Original Theatre Company's production of Alan Bennett's THE HABIT OF ART, which was due to open at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne on Wednesday 18 March 2020, will now perform a closed filmed performance on Wednesday 18 March 2020 at 2pm.

Broadway Rewind: Daniel Radcliffe Makes His Broadway Debut in EQUUS!

Daniel Radcliffe made his Broadway debut in the 2008 revival of Equus, costarring another Harry Potter veteran, Richard Griffiths. The revival, directed by Thea Sharrock, transferred from the West End, and attracted much attention for its nude scene, which was performed by a then 17 year-old Radcliffe. 

Kit Ingui Named Managing Director of Long Wharf Theatre

Kit Ingui, Long Wharf Theatre's current Acting Managing Director, will assume the role of Managing Director of Long Wharf Theatre effective immediately. Ingui, with 20 years of experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway production, has become a highly-regarded and key member of the leadership team since joining Long Wharf Theatre in 2017 and served as Acting Managing Director from July to September 2019.

THE HABIT OF ART Will Embark on a New 2020 UK Tour

Following a highly acclaimed tour in 2018, The Original Theatre Company and The Anthology Group in association with Peter Stickney and York Theatre Royal's production of Alan Bennett's THE HABIT OF ART will return and tour the UK in 2020. Directed by Philip Franks and starring Matthew Kelly as Fitz (W. H. Auden) and David Yelland as Henry (Benjamin Britten). The tour begins on 18 March 2020 at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.

Managing Director Joshua Borenstein To Depart Long Wharf Theatre; Kit Ingui Named Acting Managing Director

Joshua Borenstein, who has served at Long Wharf Theatre for 13 years, including as its Managing Director since 2011, will leave the organization at the end of July.

2019 Salisbury Festival Marks Global Anniversaries

Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative, and Guest Festival Director Jonathan Dove today announce the programme for the 2019 Salisbury International Arts Festival (24 May to 9 June) which will mark two global anniversaries - the 1969 moon landings and the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall - with an ambitious mix of music, spoken word, film, dance, circus, theatre, comedy and family events.

Richard Griffiths FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Richard Griffiths been in?

Richard Griffiths has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Richard Griffiths been in?

Richard Griffiths has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Richard Griffiths's first West End show?

Richard Griffiths's first West End show was The Sunshine Boys which opened in 2012

What awards has Richard Griffiths been nominated for?

Richard Griffiths has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The History Boys," Best Actor at the Olivier Awards for "Heroes," Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The History Boys," Performance at the Theatre World Awards for "The History Boys," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The History Boys," Best Actor at the Olivier Awards for "The History Boys," Best Actor at the Evening Standard Awards for "The History Boys," and Comedy Performance of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Once In A Lifetime."

What awards has Richard Griffiths won?

Richard Griffiths has won several awards for his role in "The History Boys," including Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Performance at the Theatre World Awards, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards, Best Actor at the Olivier Awards, and Best Actor at the Evening Standard Awards.

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