Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths (born 31 July, 1947 in Thornaby-on-Tees, Cleveland) is a British actor.

Related Topics:
31 July - 1947 - Thornaby-on-Tees - Cleveland - British - Actor

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The son of deaf parents, he learned sign language at an early age in order to communicate with them. He even developed an ear for dialects that subsequently landed him several ethnic roles. In his childhood he attempted to run away from home many times. He dropped out of school at age 15 and worked as a porter for a while, but his boss eventually convinced him to go back to school. Here he decided to attend a drama class at Stockton & Billingham College, a decision that would change his life forever.

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After graduating, Richard earned a spot on BBC Radio. He also worked in small theatres, sometimes acting and sometimes managing. He built up an early reputation as a Shakespearean "clown" with hilarious portrayals of Henry VIII and several other characters such as Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

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He eventually settled in Manchester and began to get proper lead roles in plays. From there he began to appear on television and then got his big break in film in It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (1975).

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His more recognised roles have been in both contemporary and period pieces such as Gorky Park (1983), Withnail & I (1987), King Ralph (1991), Guarding Tess (1994), and Sleepy Hollow (1999). Recently he has been seen as Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter series.

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Although typically known for comic performences, aside from Harry Potter, he's probably most recognised as Henry Crabbe in the British Detective-drama Pie in the Sky.

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