Daniel Radcliffe leads tributes to Richard Griffiths

Daniel Radcliffe has led the tributes to Richard Griffiths following his death on Thursday (28Mar13) by thanking his Harry Potter co-star for his "encouragement, tutelage and humour" during his career.

The beloved British actor passed away at the age of 65 after suffering complications following heart surgery at University Hospital in Coventry, England.

He was known to millions as Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films, and co-star Radcliffe - who also appeared with Griffiths in a 2007 London stage production of Equus - has heaped praise on his pal for his support over the years.

In a statement, he writes, "Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career. In August 2000, before official production had even begun on Potter, we filmed a shot outside the Dursleys', which was my first ever shot as Harry. I was nervous and he made me feel at ease.

"Seven years later, we embarked on Equus together. It was my first time doing a play but, terrified as I was, his encouragement, tutelage and humour made it a joy. In fact, any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence. I am proud to say I knew him."