P.H. Moriarty starred in many big films (PictureL David M. Benett/Getty Images)
Actor P.H. Moriarty, real name Paul Moriarty, has died aged 86.
The star was known for his roles in Jaws 3, Patriot Games, Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Long Good Friday, which also starred Helen Mirren and Bob Hoskins.
Charity Orchid Cancer said: ‘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.
‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.’
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Moriarty began acting later in life (Picture: Shutterstock)
Family friend Jimmy Tippett Jr, the son of notorious gangster Jimmy Tippett Snr, 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 also appeared on TV including The Bill (Picture: CARLTON TELEVISION)
The London-born talent originally worked as a boxer and docker before finding acting in his 50s. He was discovered by a film crew who shot a scene at his workplace – the Surrey Commercial Docks. Recalling meeting producer Tony Garnett, Moriarty told Echo: ‘He said to me, “Why don’t you do some acting, you’ll enjoy it”.
‘The camera was good to me.’ He made his film debut in Quadrophenia, the 1979 drama movie based on The Who’s rock opera of the same name.
Moriarty often portrayed violent characters, perhaps most famously, Hatchet Harry in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Razors in Long Good Friday – both characters are named after their preferred weapons. Speaking about the latter title, he said: ‘It’s the film that made all the difference to my career. After Long Good Friday, I was never really out of work.’
After Long Good Friday he was never out of work(Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID)
‘The camera was good to me.’ (Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID)
He spoke fondly of his time working with Helen, describing her as a ‘stunning woman, absolutely lovely.’
‘She was just one of the boys, putting back the pints with everyone,’ he added.
He also appeared on TV including in shows Law & Order, The Bill, Judge John Deed, and Doctors. In 2007, he worked across from Vinnie Jones to in the psychological thriller movie The Riddle. His last film credit was in 2021 as Ian Jarvis in gangster film Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins.
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