Sad Demise of Tom Wilkinson, Acclaimed Actor from The Full Monty and Michael Clayton
Tom Wilkinson, the brilliant actor known for his remarkable performances in The Full Monty, Michael Clayton, and Shakespeare in Love, has sadly passed away His two Oscar nominations only begin to capture the immense talent and depth he brought to the silver screen A true legend lost
Tom Wilkinson, two-time Oscar-nominated actor from films including "Shakespeare in Love," "The Full Monty" and "Michael Clayton," has died.
He was 75.
Tom Wilkinson's publicist Nancy Seltzer confirmed the news to CNN, sharing a statement that read, "It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him. The family asks for privacy at this time."
The immediate cause of death was not known.
The actor, originally from England, had around 130 screen credits to his name. He received his first Academy Award nomination in 2002 for his role in "In the Bedroom" alongside Sissy Spacek. His second Oscar nomination was for his supporting role in the 2007 film "Michael Clayton."
Over his career, Wilkinson has appeared in numerous acclaimed films, showcasing his versatility in both period pieces and contemporary dramas and thrillers. His early successes in the 1990s include "Wilde" and "Sense and Sensibility," which earned him recognition and acclaim. His filmography includes high-profile titles such as "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "Duplicity," solidifying his reputation as a talented and diverse actor.
In addition to his unforgettable portrayal as an unhinged, guilt-stricken lawyer in "Clayton" alongside George Clooney, Wilkinson's remarkable roles also include the eccentric doctor who manipulates his patients' realities in the 2004 film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," starring Winslet and Jim Carrey, and a high-ranking Nazi officer entangled in the plot to assassinate Hitler in the 2008 Tom Cruise-led "Valkyrie."
Tom Wilkinson, left, and George Clooney in 2007's "Michael Clayton."
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection
Wilkinson's breakthrough in Hollywood came with the release of "The Full Monty" in 1997. Surprisingly, he almost turned down the role that ultimately put him on the map as a major player in the industry.
"I was offered the lead in a TV series and a potential part in a low-budget movie at the same time," he revealed to The Guardian in 2011.
I recall calling a friend who urged me to take the TV. However, I chose not to listen and regretted it as the TV turned out to be of poor quality.
"Monty," featuring Robert Carlyle, became a major hit, leading to a Broadway production and a recent Disney+ series revival that briefly included Wilkinson.
The actor was celebrated for his portrayal of historical and political figures on television, earning an Emmy for his performance as Benjamin Franklin in the 2008 miniseries "John Adams" and an Emmy nomination for his role as Joe Kennedy in the 2011 miniseries "The Kennedys." He also played President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 2014 film "Selma."
The highly sought-after character actor also portrayed villains, such as mob boss Carmine Falcone in 2005's "Batman Begins" and a criminal mastermind in "Rush Hour" opposite Jackie Chan in 1998. Born in Leeds, England in 1948, the actor developed a passion for drama at a young age when he was asked to direct a play at 18, according to the BBC.
"I began doing something I was familiar with for the first time in my life," he recalled. "I discovered that it wasn't only individuals from the southern middle class who became actors; it could also be someone like me. Once I realized this, my determination never wavered."
Wilkinson later realized that he was well-suited for the acting profession and had a unique perspective on his approach. In a 2008 interview with The Guardian, he stated, "I am temperamentally suited to the business of acting. I am quite fatalistic. If it's not happening, it's not happening, and there's very little you can do."
George Clooney, co-star of "Michael Clayton", shared via a representative to CNN, "Tom elevated every project and enhanced every actor. He exemplified elegance and will be deeply missed by all of us." Wilkinson is survived by his wife, Diana Hardcastle, and two daughters.
This story has been updated with additional information.
