How to Pronounce Richard Griffiths

Meaning and Context

Richard Griffiths, born on July 31, 1947, was a distinguished and beloved British character actor whose formidable presence graced stage, film, and television for over four decades. He is most widely recognized by global audiences for his iconic and brilliantly irate performance as Uncle Vernon Dursley in the 'Harry Potter' film series, a role that perfectly showcased his mastery of comedic timing and explosive bluster. Beyond the wizarding world, Griffiths' career was defined by remarkable versatility, earning him critical acclaim for his work in cult British cinema, notably as the monstrous yet tragic Uncle Monty in the seminal comedy 'Withnail and I'. His theatrical prowess was equally celebrated; his performance as the inspirational teacher Hector in Alan Bennett's 'The History Boys' earned him a Tony Award on Broadway and an Olivier Award in London's West End. A stalwart of British acting, Richard Griffiths' legacy is cemented by his unique ability to imbue both sympathetic and detestable characters with profound humanity and authenticity, leaving an indelible mark on the performing arts until his passing on March 28, 2013.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Richard Griffiths" is typically spelled consistently, but common errors arise from phonetic misspellings and confusion with similar surnames. The most frequent typo is the omission of the second 'f', resulting in "Richard Griffins". Another common mistake is misspelling the first name as "Ricard" or "Richards". The surname is sometimes incorrectly written as "Griffin" (a different, though related, surname) or "Griffith" (missing the final 's'), the latter being a particular point of confusion as the Welsh surname "Griffith" is also common. When searching, it is important to use the correct plural form, "Griffiths", to ensure accurate results about the actor, distinguishing him from others like the historian Richard Griffith or the cinematographer Richard A. Griffiths.

Example Sentences

Richard Griffiths delivered a masterclass in comic frustration, making Uncle Vernon Dursley one of the most memorably mundane characters in the fantastical world of Harry Potter.

Theatre critics unanimously praised Griffiths' poignant and layered performance as Hector in The History Boys, for which he received numerous prestigious awards.

Fans of cult cinema often cite his monologue about the "finest wines available to humanity" in Withnail and I as a standout moment in film history.

Despite his often imposing physical presence, Griffiths was renowned among colleagues for his gentle professionalism and generous mentorship of younger actors.

His extensive body of work on British television, including series like Pie in the Sky, demonstrated his remarkable range beyond his most famous film roles.

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