Albert Finney has died at the age of 82.
The English actor – who starred in a host of critically acclaimed movies such as ‘Tom Jones’, ‘Annie’, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Erin Brockovich’ and more recently ‘The Bourne’ films and Bond flick ‘Skyfall’ – died peacefully after having a short illness, his family has confirmed.
A statement issued by 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."
Finney was honoured with a BAFTA Fellowship in 2001 and following the news of his passing the British Academy of Film and Television Arts remembered his incredible contribution to British film.
A statement from BAFTA read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Albert Finney. The recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship in 2001, Albert will be warmly remembered for his powerful performances in ‘Saturday Night’ And ‘Sunday Morning’, ‘Tom Jones’, ‘Big Fish’ and many more."
In addition to his Fellowship, Finney was nominated for a total of 13 BAFTAs in his career and won two, most notably in 2002 when his portrayal of British World War II Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill in TV film ‘The Gathering Storm’ earned him the Best Actor prize at the BAFTA TV Awards.
He also earned five Academy Awards nominations but was never lucky enough to take home one of the golden statuettes from the ceremony.
Finney twice turned down honours from Queen Elizabeth II – a CBE in 1980 and a knighthood in 2000 – as he considered himself to be anti-establishment and uninterested in titles.
He was married three times to actresses Jane Wenham, Anouk Aimee and finally to Pene Delmage, whom he tied the knot with in 2006.
The ‘Scrooge’ star has a 60-year-old son, camera operator Simon, from his first marriage to Jane.
Albert Finney dies aged 82
