Tributes to beloved actor Richard Griffiths

As the sad news is announced that Richard Griffiths has died, tributes are flooding in to pay respect to the 65 year-old actor.

He was best known for playing Uncle Monty in Withnail and I and Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films.

Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who appeared with Griffiths in the Harry Potter films and also on stage with him in Equus, said: "Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career. I was proud to know him."

National Theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner, who directed Griffiths in The History Boys, said: "Richard Griffiths wasn't only one of the most loved and recognisable British actors - he was also one of the very greatest.

Many are also paying tribute on Twitter:

@RichardEGrant My beloved 'Uncle Monty' Richard Griffiths died last night. Chin-Chin my dear friend.

@WillHeaven Richard Griffiths has died: but Uncle Monty will live forever http://bit.ly/106aEon

@Markgatiss Desperately sad to hear the news of Richard Griffiths' passing. A superb, nuanced, naughty actor and an absolute gentleman.

@DoctorChristian I'm devastated 2 hear actor Richard Griffiths has died at the age of 65 after complications following heart surgery. He was quite brilliant.

@AFLmusic Rest in Peace Richard Griffiths. The Harry Potter family will never forget you

@AnnaW90 Sad to hear that Richard Griffiths has died. He made The History Boys my favourite film.

@Lynchy927 Withnail & I my fave film of all time. Every line is a quote. RIP Richard Griffiths. Impossible to imagine any one else as Uncle Monty.

@adampearce84 So sad about Richard Griffiths. An incredible actor, well and truely missed.