Tom Wilkinson, Oscar-nominated actor, dead at 75
The British actor Tom Wilkinson, best known for his role in The Full Monty, has died aged 75.
Wilkinson’s passing has been confirmed by his family, but no cause of death has been revealed. Throughout his celebrated career, Wilkinson received six Bafta nominations, winning an award for The Full Monty in 1997. He recently reprised his character, Gerald, in the Disney+ series, which acts as a follow-up to the film.
The actor also received two Oscar nominations for his starring role as Michael Clayton in the Todd Field film In The Bedroom, released in 2001. Other notable movies that Wilkinson appeared in include The Grand Budapest Hotel, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rush Hour, RocknRolla, and Snowden.
In total, Wilkinson featured in over 130 productions. Outside of film, he also established himself in television; he won an Emmy for his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in 2008’s John Adams and was nominated for another Emmy thanks to his role as John F Kennedy’s father, Joe, in 2011’s The Kennedys.
During a candid interview with CBC in 2014, Wilkinson explained how he’s changed his approach to selecting roles since growing older. Speaking about Felony, he explained: “I didn’t want to do it, you know another thing that happens when you get older is that you don’t want to leave home so much. And I was on holiday, and the last thing I wanted to do was get in an aeroplane and go to Australia, it’s tough enough going round the corner to the local hardware store for me. I read it, and within three seconds, I thought, ‘I’m going to do this’.”
He added: “You intuitively recognise something that’s going to be good, and good for you. If, by the end of the first reading, you’ve already decided how you’re going to do it, the chances are you’re going to say yes to that.”
Wilkinson is survived by his wife, fellow actor Diana Hardcastle, and their two children.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.