Albert Finney, one of the most legendary and versatile actors of his generation has died. He was 82.
From his early days, He is as strikingly handsome and magnetic screen presence to his closing acts as a brilliant character actor, Finney was a British treasure known for charismatic work on both stage and screen.
The veteran actor, who starred in Erin Brockovich, the James Bond film Skyfall, The Bourne Legacy and Poirot, died.
Finney's family said Friday that he "passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side." He died Thursday from a chest infection at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, a cancer treatment center.
He had been in London's Royal Marsden Hospital for the past month and died from a chest infection with his wife Penelope Delmage and son Simon at his bedside.
Finney burst to international fame in 1963 in the title role of "Tom Jones," playing a lusty, humorous rogue who captivated the audience with his charming, devil-may-care antics.
The actor turned down an offer of knighthood in 2000, arguing that the UK's honors system serves to "perpetuate snobbery."
Finney was married three times, including his tempestuous 8-year romance with actress Anouk Aimée. He is survived by his son, Simon, and his widow, Pene Delmage.
Our thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time.
He excelled in many other roles, including "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning", a 1960 drama that was part of the "angry young man" film trend.
Finney was a rare star who managed to avoid Hollywood limelight despite more than five decades of worldwide fame. He was known for skipping awards ceremonies, even when he was nominated for an Oscar.
After rising to fame with his titular role in Tom Jones in 1963, Finney quickly gained a reputation as an actor's actor.
His love of the craft led Finney to continue working on Broadway even after finding success in Hollywood. He eventually earned two Tony nominations to go along with his staggering 5 Oscar nods.
Finney also gained widespread acclaim and numerous nominations for his work as Winston Churchill in the 2002 television movie The Gathering Storm.
