Tom Wilkinson, famed for his performance in 'The Full Monty,' has passed away at 75. His family confirmed the news of his demise in an official statement.
Acclaimed actor Tom Wilkinson, a two-time Oscar nominee renowned for his role in "The Full Monty," a film depicting the journey of unemployed steelworkers transitioning into strippers, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75.
The British actor's death was confirmed in a statement released by his agent on behalf of his family.
With deep sorrow, the family of Tom Wilkinson shares the news of his sudden passing at home on December 30. His wife and family were by his side.
Among his many achievements, he earned an Academy Award nomination for "In the Bedroom" in 2001 and another for a supporting role in "Michael Clayton" in 2007.
Recently, he reunited with his 'Full Monty' co-stars Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy in a Disney series of the same name.
The original 1997 blockbuster, centered around an unlikely group of men embracing the world of stripping, clinched an Oscar for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score and received nominations in three other categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.
In the film, Wilkinson portrayed Gerald Cooper, a former foreman enlisted to teach unemployed men the art of dance. His outstanding performance earned him a Best Supporting Actor BAFTA.
Carlyle paid homage to his co-star, describing him as a "true titan of an actor, one of the greats not only of his generation but of any era."
Born in Leeds to a family of farmers, Wilkinson pursued his education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Throughout his career, he amassed over 130 film and TV credits, showcasing his talent in notable works such as "Batman Begins," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and "Shakespeare in Love."
While involved in the production of the British mini-series "First Among Equals" in 1986, he crossed paths with actress Diana Hardcastle, whom he wed in 1988. The couple welcomed two daughters.
George Clooney, the American actor who shared the screen with Wilkinson in "Michael Clayton," shared with Variety: "Tom elevated every project. He elevated every actor. He epitomized elegance and will be profoundly missed by all of us."
Aneurin Barnard, known for his role in "Peaky Blinders" and Wilkinson's co-star in the 2018 black comedy "Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back)," expressed sadness at the news of his colleague's passing. On social media, he wrote, "Farewell to one of our remarkable legends. Until we meet again, Tom x."
In 2009, Wilkinson earned a Golden Globe and a 2008 Emmy for his portrayal of American political figure Benjamin Franklin in the HBO series "John Adams," where he acted alongside Paul Giamatti.
An esteemed character actor, he secured roles in various notable productions, including a BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel "Martin Chuzzlewit," the 1995 rendition of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," the 2014 Wes Anderson comedy-drama "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and the 2011 ensemble comedy "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."
In recognition of his contributions to drama, Wilkinson was honored in 2005 with the appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
This article originally originated at : Livemint, 31 Dec 2023, 09:58 AM IST