'Deeply saddened': Legendary British actor, 86, dies with wife by his side

British actor Paul Hugh "P.H." Moriarty has died at the age of 86.

The star died peacefully with his wife by his side, with Orchid Cancer announcing the news in a statement

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of P.H. Moriarty," it read.

"He was a talented actor best known for his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Long Good Friday.

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"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."

Moriarty was best known for starring as Razors in the 1980s gangster movie The Long Good Friday. 

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Family friend 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 was born on September 23, 1938, in Deptford, London, and started his career as a boxer and a docker at the Surrey Commercial Docks.

While working as a docker in his 50s, he was discovered by a film crew and began acting under the stage name P. H. Moriarty to distinguish himself from the actor Paul Moriarty.

A rising star, he first appeared in a 1978 episode of Law & Order and the film Quadrophenia. 

Throughout his career, Moriarty's most memorable roles included playing the character "Hatchet" Harry Lonsdale in the Guy Ritchie film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Most recently, Moriarty portrayed Ian Jarvis in the 2021 film Rise of the Footsiksier: Origins and the television series GB3-Being Young.

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