British actor Tom Wilkinson, who was nominated for an Oscar and was best known for his part in The Full Monty, has died at the age of 75, according to his family. His agent stated on behalf of his family confirming his death.
The statement read:
“The family of Tom Wilkinson regret to inform you that he passed away unexpectedly at home on December 30. His family and spouse accompanied him. The family requests confidentiality at this time.”
Tom Wilkinson received a Bafta for best supporting actor for his performance as Gerald Arthur Cooper in The Full Monty, a 1997 comedy about a group of redundant steelworkers from Sheffield who organize an all-male striptease act.
Gerald was portrayed by him again in a 2023 Disney+ series that revisited the characters after 26 years had passed.
Robert Carlyle, a co-star with Wilkinson in The Full Monty, expressed his deep sorrow to the PA news agency regarding the demise of Tom. Each individual who had the honor of collaborating with him will be profoundly saddened by his passing.
“What a monumental performer, an absolute titan of an actor, and not only one of his generation’s greats but of all time.”
In addition to the aforementioned romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love (1998), Christopher Nolan’s superhero film Batman Begins (2005), The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Girl with a Pearl Earring, the actor accumulated over 130 film and television credits.
In addition to his two Oscar nominations, he was nominated for six Baftas for Michael Clayton, a legal thriller that he co-starred in with George Clooney in 2007, and for In the Bedroom, a domestic drama that he portrayed a bereaved father in 2001.
Clooney stated to the Guardian,
“Tom improved each and every project.” Every actor was improved. He embodied sophistication and grace, and his passing will be sorely mourned by all.
Sissy Spacek, with whom he co-starred in the film In the Bedroom, remarked,
“He was an exceptionally talented actor and a truly kind woman.” “Collaborating was an absolute delight.”
Tom Wilkinson, who portrayed American political figure Benjamin Franklin on the HBO series John Adams and appeared opposite Paul Giamatti, also won a Golden Globe in 2009 and an Emmy in 2008.
Aneurin Barnard, who starred in the 2018 film Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) opposite Wilkinson, expressed his “deepest sorrow” upon learning of his passing.
“I had a tremendous time getting to know him and working with him,” the actor wrote on X.
“With the passing of one of our magnificent legends.” Farewell, Tom x.”
Will Young, a singer, claimed that the Full Monty star assisted him during his acting auditions.
Young posted the following on Instagram:
“Farewell, comrade. I was assisted with trials by the hilarious, incredibly intelligent (Diana Hardcastle), and what a phenomenal actor! I honor the British acting nobility by saluting you, Tom xxx.
Tom Wilkinson, a native of Leeds, attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for his education. In 1986, he made his screen debut alongside Diana Hardcastle in the miniseries First Among Equals, which was inspired by the bestselling novel by Jeffrey Archer.
Having been wed in 1988, the couple now has two daughters. Additionally, they appeared as a married couple on-screen in the 2011 film The Kennedys and the 2014 action film Good People.
Wilkinson was renowned for his versatility, having appeared in Rush Hour opposite Jackie Chan in 1998 and Guy Ritchie’s criminal film RocknRolla in 2008, in addition to period dramas such as Sense and Sensibility (1995).
The British national refuted in a 2011 interview with The Guardian the notion that stardom arrived relatively late.
Tom Wilkinson stated,
“My prosperity has been consistent throughout my life. I was a prominent stage performer who was also landing significant roles on television.
“After observing many of my friends in the film industry, a portion of you may be thinking, ‘I want to sit with the big boys.'”
Additionally, the actor lent his voice to the fox in the television adaptation of the best-selling children’s book The Gruffalo.
For his contributions to the field of drama, Wilkinson was bestowed the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2005 New Year’s Honours.
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