Famed British actor Tom Wilkinson dies at age 75

The world of show business was saddened in recent days to learn that celebrated British actor Tom Wilkinson had died at the age of 75, as the BBC reports.

Wilkinson's death was confirmed in a statement from his family, who revealed that the actor passed away suddenly at home, with loved ones present.

Storied career remembered

As the Daily Caller notes, Wilkinson was well-known for his appearances in films such as The Full Monty, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Shakespeare in Love, though his career credits included well over 130 TV and film portrayals.

Wilkinson's portrayal of Gerald in The Full Monty garnered him a BAFTA award, and he notably received an additional six BAFTA nominations along the way.

On top of those honors, Wilkinson was also the recipient of two Academy Award nominations, for his roles in Michael Clayton and In the Bedroom, respectively.

Not limited to film roles, Wilkinson also made a name for himself on the small screen, taking a Emmy nomination for his depiction of Bemjamin Franklin in the 2008 miniseries John Adams, and another for playing Joseph Kennedy, father of President John F. Kennedy.

Called to the stage

As the BBC noted, Wilkinson was born in Leeds, then relocated to Canada, and ultimately moved to Cornwall as a child.

It was at the age of 18, when asked to direct a play, that Wilkinson found his true calling, as he recounted years later.

“For the first time in my life, I started doing something I knew how to do,” he mused. “I knew it wasn't necessarily just these southern middle-class types that got to be actors; it could possibly be people like me. And once I knew, I never changed my mind.”

Tributes pour in

Among those paying tribute to Wilkinson amid news of his death was mega-star George Clooney, who declared, according to the Hollywood Reporter, “Tom made every project better, made every actor better. He was the epitome of elegance, and he will be dearly missed by all of us.”

Film critic Richard Roeper stated, “There was never a Tom Wilkinson moment onscreen that didn't feel authentic. He wasn't a supporting player; he was an actor who elevated the material, regardless of genre.”

In addition to legions of fans across the globe, Wilkinson leaves behind his wife, actress Diana Hardcastle, and their two daughters, Alice and Molly.