Tom Wilkinson, the Oscar-nominated actor best known for his performances in “The Full Monty,” “Shakespeare in Love” and “Michael Clayton,” has died. He was 75.
The actor's death was confirmed in a statement from his family, obtained by EW. “It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30th. His wife and family were with him,” it said. “The family requests privacy at this time.”
Wilkinson was born in Wharfedale, Yorkshire in 1948 and developed an interest in acting and directing as a member of the University of Kent Theater Society. He completed his studies before enrolling at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, graduating in 1973.
Tom Wilkinson.
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
Wilkinson spent the next two decades flexing his talents on a variety of British television shows, including “Spyship,” “Miss Marple: A Pocketful of Rye” and as Raymond Gould in the 1986 political drama “First Among Equals.” Among his Other credits include Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Counterstrike, Prime Suspect and a critically acclaimed role as Seth Pecksniff in the 1994 television adaptation of Charles Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit.
The following year, Wilkinson played Mr. Dashwood in the Ang Lee-directed adaptation of Sense and Sensibility alongside Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie. The film was one of many historical dramas the actor starred in throughout his career, including Oscar and Lucinda, The Governess, Shakespeare in Love, The Patriot and more.
However, Wilkinson's big breakthrough came after he played the role of foreman Gerald Cooper in the 1997 comedy “The Full Monty”, for which he received a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor. He reprized the role 26 years later in an FX television series released earlier this year.
Wilkinson received his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a father coping with the sudden loss of his son in Todd Field's 2001 drama “In the Bedroom.” Six years later, he received his second award for the role of lawyer Arthur Evans stars in the legal thriller “Michael Clayton” alongside George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and Sydney Pollack.
In 2009, Wilkinson won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the Tom Hooper-directed miniseries John Adams. His other credits include Girl with a Pearl Earring, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Batman Begins, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Dedication, Rock'n Rolla, Valkyrie, “The Green Hornet,” “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Selma,” and “Snowden.” , Denial and The Catcher Was a Spy.
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