His Llanelli accent – delivered in smooth, hushed tones – and dry wit made him immediately recognisable amongst viewers.
And whereas many will bear in mind Griffiths for his on-air quips and, earlier, his cautious fashion of play, he additionally achieved notable success as a coach after retiring in 1997.
He tutored a number of main gamers, together with world champions equivalent to Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, Ken Doherty and John Parrott.
Born in Llanelli in 1947, Griffiths labored as a postman, insurance coverage salesman, miner and bus conductor throughout an extended and profitable newbie profession.
He received the Welsh Beginner Championship in 1975 and the English Beginner Championship in 1977 and 1978 earlier than turning skilled in 1978.
Griffiths needed to qualify for his first World Championship in 1979 and, after doing so, he beat Perrie Mans within the first spherical and the nice Alex Higgins within the quarter-finals.
After overcoming Eddie Charlton in an epic semi-final, Griffiths declared in a post-match interview which has been replayed many instances since: “I am within the ultimate now, you realize!”