Actor Albert Finney Dies Aged 82

British actor and five-time Oscar nominee Albert Finney has died at the age of 82. His death reportedly follows a short illness.

Having risen to success as a Shakespearean actor, the Salford-born star was later known for film roles in the likes of Skyfall, The Bourne Ultimatum and The Bourne Legacy, Big Fish, Erin Brockovich, Miller's Crossing, Scrooge and Tom Jones.

Finney's family confirmed have confirmed his death, saying he passed away 'peacefully' surrounded by loved ones.

A statement from a family spokesman said: "Albert Finney, aged 82, passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side.

"The family request privacy at this sad time."

Tributes from within the industry have already begun flooding in already, from fellow actors, directors and movie critics alike, with film critic Peter Bradshaw tweeting to say he was 'so sad' to hear of Finney's death.

In later years, Finney only gave rare interviews to press, but speaking to the Manchester Evening News back in 2013, he revealed the reason he went into the acting profession.

"I was dead lucky. I've always been lucky," he told the newspaper.

"I got a job at Birmingham Rep while I was still at RADA. It was one of the leading reps in the country."

He also admitted that, along with luck, there was another attribute he possesssed.

"I've always been very lazy as well as being lucky, and now I'm even lazier," Finney said.

"I just want to do what I want to do. I like to play judges now because I can have the script on the desk and I just use the gavel, sit down, read the lines and that's it."

After growing a repuatation as a highly regarded stage actor, in 1960 he sparked the beginning of a long career in TV and film when he starred as working class hero Arthur Seaton in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning.

PA

More recently, he starred as heroic gamekeeper Kinkade in James bond flick Skyfall, which he said was a 'terrific film'.

"Sam Mendes has done a really great job, and I think Daniel Craig, the third time he's played the part, really fits the jacket snugly and has a nice edge to him," the actor told the MEN.

Finney has been nominated for a total of five Oscars and has won two BAFTAs - having also won the the BAFTA Fellowship in 2001.

However, he's never been one to take such awards too seriously, and would rarely attend the ceremonies.

He also turned down both a CBE and a knighthood.

Rest in peace.

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

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