Actor Richard Griffiths in 2011. Ian Gavan/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Ian Gavan/Getty Images The Two-Way Actor Richard Griffiths, Uncle Vernon In 'Harry Potter' Movies, Dies March 29, 2013 Best known as Harry Potter's cruel Muggle uncle, Griffiths also was an accomplished stage actor. Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, says Griffiths' "encouragement, tutelage and humor" made him a joy to work with.