Gary Oldman Makes Rare Appearance With Wife Gisele and Stepson William at 2024 Cannes Film Festival
Gary Oldman Alberto Terenghi/IPA/INSTARimages
Gary Oldman attended the 2024 Cannes Film Festival with his wife, Gisele Schmidt, and her son, William Schmidt for the premiere of his movie Parthenope.
The 66-year-old actor looked happy and stylish in a navy blue tuxedo, black dress shirt, matching bowtie, and a standout pocket square. Gisele, on the other hand, looked stunning in an elegant black gown while holding hands with her husband and their teenage son, who also looked sharp in a classic black tux.
The family came together to celebrate the premiere of Oldman's latest project, a film directed by Paolo Sorrentino. The epic spans several decades and features a talented cast including Celeste Dalla Porta, Stefania Sandrelli, Luisa Ranieri, and Isabella Ferrari. In the film, Oldman portrays author John Cheever.
According to Sorrentino, character preparation for Oldman was relatively easy as the actor "can play anything." Sorrentino shared that Oldman was familiar with Cheever's work and even provided input on how he would portray the character. The director mentioned that Oldman pointed out a helpful John Cheever interview on YouTube, which helped him understand and embody the role. Sorrentino praised Oldman as one of the top five actors in the world, emphasizing his versatility and talent.
Oldman has had a successful career with the support of his wife, Gisele, whom he married in 2017. Before Gisele, he was previously married to Lesley Manville from 1987 to 1990, Uma Thurman from 1990 to 1992, Donya Fiorentino from 1997 to 2001, and Alexandra Edenborough from 2008 to 2015. He shares a son, Alfie Oldman, with Lesley Manville in 1988, and sons Gulliver and Charlie with Donya Fiorentino, born in 1997 and 1999, respectively.
Gary Oldman Makes Rare Appearance With Wife Gisele and Stepson William at 2024 Cannes Film Festival
Gary Oldman, Gisele Oldman and Stepson William Alberto Terenghi/IPA/INSTARimages
During the early 2000s, Gary Oldman had sole custody of his sons, Gulliver and Charlie. This responsibility led him to decline many acting opportunities, as he prioritized his role as a father to his young children.
At the age of 42, I found myself waking up as a divorced man with custody of my boys. It was a challenging situation," he shared during an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in December 2023. "The film industry was changing, with many productions moving to locations like Hungary, Budapest, Prague, and Australia."
During this tough period as a single father, he acknowledged that his career was sustained by The Dark Knight and Harry Potter movies.
"Harry Potter has been a lifesaver for me. I must say, both Batman and Harry Potter have truly saved me," he shared with Barrymore, 49. He explained how these characters allowed him to easily travel between London and Los Angeles for work. "It helped me to work less for more money and still be able to spend time at home with my kids."
Editor's P/S:
Gary Oldman's appearance at the Cannes Film Festival with his family highlights the importance of support and love in his life. His wife, Gisele Schmidt, and stepson, William Schmidt, provide him with a stable foundation that has allowed him to thrive in his career and navigate the challenges of being a single father. Oldman's dedication to his children is evident in his decision to decline acting opportunities to prioritize their upbringing.
Oldman's versatility and talent as an actor are widely recognized, as evidenced by his portrayal of John Cheever in "Parthenope." His ability to inhabit various characters and bring depth to his performances is a testament to his exceptional skills. The film industry is fortunate to have an actor of Oldman's caliber, and his ongoing contributions to the art of cinema continue to inspire audiences worldwide.