The Long Good Friday actor Paul Moriarty has died at the age of 86, his family have confirmed. Orchid Cancer announced his passing 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.

"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 1980s gangster film The Long Good Friday. He died with his wife by his side in the early hours last Sunday. Moriarty starred alongside Helen Mirren and Bob Hoskins in the movie that he said “made all the difference". It helped kickstart his illustrious acting career as he went on to starring in movies 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 Moriarty's 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 entering the acting world in his 50s. He was discovered by a film crew who were shooting at his workplace, the Surrey Commercial Docks. When starting his acting career, he decided to go by the stage name P. H. Moriarty in order to distinguish himself from the actor Paul Moriarty.

His last film credit was in 2021 as 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. Moriarty was born on 23 September 1938 in Deptford, London, England, where he was also raised.

Fans have paid tribute as one said: "Sad to hear about the passing today of actor PH Moriarty, aka Razors in The Long Good Friday." Another added: "So sorry to hear of the passing of P. H. Moriarty absolute gentleman "Razor" to some "Harry the hatchet" to others." Someone else commented: "I just read that P.H. Moriarty has passed away. He had the thing that so many actors who play heavies lack today MENENCE!".