Remember P.H. Moriarty: Celebrating the Life of a British Screen Icon

British actor P.H. Moriarty, celebrated for his compelling portrayals of gritty characters, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, with his wife by his side. Born Paul Hugh Moriarty on September 23, 1938, in Deptford, London, he grew up in the city's working-class surroundings. Before venturing into acting, he worked as a boxer and a docker at the Surrey Commercial Docks. His transition into acting happened unexpectedly when a film crew shooting at the docks recognized his potential. Moriarty’s breakthrough came with his role as “Razors” in the 1980 gangster classic The Long Good Friday, where he starred alongside Helen Mirren and Bob Hoskins.

In 1998, he further solidified his reputation for playing formidable characters with his role as “Hatchet” Harry Lonsdale in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. His filmography also includes notable appearances in Jaws 3-D (1983), Patriot Games (1992), and the miniseries adaptations of Frank Herbert’s Dune (2000) and Children of Dune (2003), where he portrayed Gurney Halleck.

Beyond the screen, Moriarty was a dedicated supporter of Orchid Cancer, a charity focused on male cancer awareness and research. According to The Sun, the organisation honored him, stating “A gifted voice actor and a dedicated supporter of Orchid, his contributions and unwavering commitment will always be remembered”.

Likewise, tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans, celebrating his talent and the impact he has left on British cinema.