I have not seen any other diaries on this but I think it only right that we should record the death of Richard Griffiths this week.
Griffiths was one of those talented character actors that Britain manages to produce drama schools, subsidized theatre an and radio plays who everyone probably recognizes by sight; but whose name is not well known. Here a few of the big characters (in more senses than one) you may recognize him from:
Harry Potter's "Muggle" uncle Vernon Dersley (he also starred with Daniel "Harry Potter" Radcliffe in an acclaimed production of Equus)
The teacher "Hector" in Alan Bennett's play "The History Boys" which transferred to Broadway and later to film. He won both a Tony award in New York and the Olivier award (named after Lawrence Olivier) in London for the role.
The role that saw him come to prominence was as Uncle Monty in the British cult film "Withnail and I".
British TV audience enjoyed him in a starring role as a food-loving/restaurant owning police detective in a series "Pie in the Sky".
This is the summary of his earlier life and career from the BBC's obituary
Born in Thornaby-on-Tees in North Yorkshire in 1947, Griffiths attempted to run away from home many times and dropped out of school at the age of 15, working as a porter before his manager convinced him to go back to school.
He began taking drama classes at Stockton and Billingham College, later attending what is now known as the Manchester School of Theatre.
His father, a steelworker, and mother were both deaf, and he learned sign language as a young boy to be able to communicate with them.
He would go on to develop an ear for dialects which subsequently landed him several ethnic roles.
Following his studies, Griffiths landed a slot on BBC Radio, and also began working in small theatres, sometimes acting, sometimes managing.
He built up a reputation on the stage for playing Shakespearean clowns with the Royal Shakespeare Company
He died following complications from heart surgery. His huge talent and presence will be missed from the stage and screen.
Break a leg Richard!