The Death of Richard Griffiths

[operalover21]

I returned from holiday after my weekend in Des Moines to hear, yesterday, of the death of the great British actor Richard Griffiths at the age of 65. While the headlines called him the "Harry Potter" star he was so much more. So much more. To sum up my feelings, I'll still a line from David Hare who said yesterday "I feel gutted." I saw him so many times on stage in so many roles over the last 30 some odd years but, of course, the one that sticks in my mind (and probably most others who saw him) is his role as Hector, the teacher, in Alan Bennett's brilliant play THE HISTORY BOYS. It was a sensation in London and then on Broadway and he won ever award possible for it which he richly deserved. His beloved teacher who left a lasting impression on his students despite the fact that he occasionally groped them was truly unforgettable. In 40 years of theater going it would easily make my top 10 of most memorable performances. Another line from David Hare yesterday ... "he was able to probe the depths of desolation like almost no other actor." Amen.

 

I'd also like to mention his lead role in the classic British TV series PIE IN THE SKY which I absolutely loved. It managed to combine food and detective work. What could be better than that?

 

He will be sorely missed and the effect he had on people -- especially his colleagues -- is reflected in the statements issued by such diverse people as Daniel Radcliffe (who was with him in Potter and Equus), David Hare, Nicholas Hytner, the Prime Minister, Alan Bennett, and Penelope Wilton.

 

God bless Richard Griffiths. RIP.

[uwsman2]

Thanks for posting this. I too was in awe of Richard Griffiths' performance in The History Boys - both the B'way presentation and the movie. He didn't get so much to do in the Potter films, but what he did was choice. He's gone all too soon.