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| Albert Finney in Skyfall |
Albert Finney, who shot to fame in 1960 with Saturday Night And Sunday Morning before going on to become of of the stars of the era's kitchen sink dramas and a memorable Poirot, has died at the age of 82, it emerged today. The Salford-born actor won two BAFTAS, received five Oscar nominations over the course of his career and was also offered a knighthood but chose to turn it down.
Best known in his heyday for works such as Tom Jones, Annie, The Duellists and The Dresser, Finney worked with the Coen brothers in Miller's Crossing, with Tim Burton in Big Fish and Corpse Bride, and with Sidney Lumet in Before The Devil Knows You're Dead. He was a hard working, ambitious man whose talent shone through from an early age, enabling him to win a place at RADA where he studied alongside Alan Bates and Peter O'Toole. He used the money he made during his long career to support other up and coming talent and fund influential British films.
Finney also spent time in theatre, including on Broadway, where his efforts won him two Tony nominations.
Finney had previously survived kidney cancer. He passed away following a short illness and is survived by his son, Simon.
