Oscar Nominated Actor Tom Wilkinson Dies Aged 75

The accomplished British actor, who had also appeared in many other movies and TV including ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’, was 75.

Tom Wilkinson, Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor for his work in 'Michael Clayton,' and his wife Diana Hardcastle arrive at the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 24, 2008.

(L to R) Tom Wilkinson, Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor for his work in 'Michael Clayton,' and his wife Diana Hardcastle arrive at the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Credit/Provider Michael Yada / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright ©A.M.P.A.S.

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Beloved British actor Tom Wilkinson has died.
Wilkinson was 75.
He had most recently reprised his role from ‘The Full Monty’ for the Disney sequel TV series.

Tom Wilkinson, a much-loved and highly respected British actor equally at home playing warm, friendly heroes and scheming villains, has died. He was 75.

Best known for roles in movies such as ‘The Full Monty’, ‘Michael Clayton’ and ‘In the Bedroom’, Wilkinson’s career spans more than 130 movies and TV series.

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Tom Wilkinson: Early life and career

(L to R) Tom Wilkinson and Tom Cruise in 'Valkyrie.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.

Born in Leeds before moving to Canada and then Cornwall in childhood, he found his calling at the age of 18 when he was asked to direct a play.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before following the well-worn path to theatre and television work. In 1986, he got his first major screen role in mini-series ‘First Among Equals’, based on politician-turned-author Jeffrey Archer’s best-selling novel.

That kicked off a successful career on screens big and small, with his movie resume including the likes of ‘Shakespeare in Love’, ‘Batman Begins’, ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, ‘The Patriot’, ‘Selma’, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, ‘The Gathering Storm’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘RocknRolla’ ‘Valkyrie’ and ‘Denial’.

Among his many roles, it might be one for which he will be best remembered, though: 1997’s ‘The Full Monty’ featured Wilkinson as Gerald, one of a group of recently laid-off Sheffield steelworkers who decide to try stripping to make ends meet. Wilkinson humorously recalls asking for advice to decide between the movie and a different job offer.

Here’s what he told The Guardian:

“I remember phoning a friend and he said, ‘Take the TV, take the TV’. But I didn’t follow his advice, and the TV turned out to be crap.”

1997's 'The Full Monty.' Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

‘The Full Monty’, on the other hand, became one of the highest grossing British independent movies of all time. Wilkinson reprised his role alongside co-stars Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy for this year’s Disney+ sequel series, which caught up with the characters in the present day.

Wilkinson was nominated for Academy Awards for actor in a leading role for ‘In the Bedroom’ in 2001, and actor in a supporting role for ‘Michael Clayton’ in 2007. His ‘Full Monty’ role scored him a BAFTA.

He has one movie left to arrive, crime drama ‘Bone in the Throat’, which has yet to confirm a release date.

Tom Wilkinson: Tributes arrive

Tom Wilkinson, Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor for his work in 'Michael Clayton,' arrives at the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright ©A.M.P.A.S.

Aneurin Barnard, who starred opposite Wilkinson in 2018 comedy drama ‘Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back)’ paid tribute:

“I am very sad to hear the passing of Tom Wilkinson. I had a very great time getting to know him and working with him. One of our wonderful legends that we say goodbye to. Bye for now Tom.”

In 1986, while working on ‘First Among Equals,' Wilkinson met Diana Hardcastle, and the couple married in 1988. They played husband and wife in ‘The Kennedys’ in 2011, and in 2014’s ‘Good People’. She survives him alongside their two daughters, Alice and Molly.

Wilkinson’s family released the following statement on his passing:

“It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him. The family asks for privacy at this time.”