The Long Good Friday actor Paul Moriarty has sadly died at the age of 86, his family have confirmed.
Moriarty died with his wife by his side in the early hours last Sunday. Orchid Cancer announced the death in a statement which read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of P.H. Moriarty. He was a talented actor best known for his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Long Good Friday. A gifted voice actor and a dedicated supporter of Orchid, his contributions and unwavering commitment will always be remembered, reports the Mirror.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
He was best known for starring as Razors in 1980s gangster film The Long Good Friday. Moriarty starred alongside Helen Mirren and Bob Hoskins in the movie that he said “made all the difference”.
The movie helped kickstart his illustrious acting career as he went on to star in films such as Jaws 3 and Patriot Games. In 1998, Moriarty went on to play Hatchet Harry in Guy Ritchie’s award-winning crime film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. At 14-years-old, the star met notorious gangster Jimmy Tippett Snr, nicknamed the Guv’nor of Lewisham, who “took him under his wing”.
Following his death, Jimmy Tippett Jr told The Sun: “Paul met Dad when he was very young and they went on to become lifelong friends. They always took the time to see each other and Paul often came to see my Dad in care when he was suffering with dementia. I know that Paul died very peacefully, his wife was holding his hand the whole time and talking to him.”
Moriarty worked as a boxer as well as a docker in London before eventually entering the acting world in his 50s. He was discovered by a film crew who were shooting at his workplace, the Surrey Commercial Docks.
He decided to go by the stage name P. H. Moriarty in order to distinguish himself from fellow actor Paul Moriarty.
His last film was in four years ago, in 2021 , playing Ian Jarvis in gangster film Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins.
Over his long career, Moriarty also starred in Quadrophenia, Scum, A Sense of Freedom, The Riddle and Evil Never Dies. The actor also has a long list of television credits, which started in 1978 when he appeared in Law & Order.
He has also starred in The Chinese Detective, Bird of Prey, The Professionals, The Bill, The Paradise Club and Doctors. His last TV credit was in 2005 with the television film GB3-Being Young.
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