Renowned British actor Tom Wilkinson, celebrated for his exceptional performances in The Full Monty, Michael Clayton, and In The Bedroom, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75. The family announced his sudden demise at home on December 30, with no specific cause disclosed.
A statement from his agent expressed, “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.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Wilkinson left an indelible mark with notable roles in films such as Shakespeare in Love, Batman Begins, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. He reprised his role as factory foreman Gerald Cooper in the Disney+ streaming series of The Full Monty.
With over 130 film and TV credits to his name, Wilkinson’s filmography includes The Grand Budapest Hotel, Girl with a Pearl Earring, and acclaimed performances as Benjamin Franklin in John Adams and President Lyndon B Johnson in Selma.
Born in Leeds, Wilkinson’s journey in the entertainment industry began at the age of 18 when he directed a play. His career blossomed, leading him to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). Notably, he met Diana Hardcastle during his first major screen role in the mini-series First Among Equals in 1986, and the couple married in 1988.
His breakthrough came with the low-budget film The Full Monty, which became the highest-grossing British film at the time. Wilkinson received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in In the Bedroom and a second nomination for his supporting role in Michael Clayton.
His diverse film credits also include The Patriot, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Valkyrie, and The Gruffalo, where he voiced the character of the fox in the TV adaptation of the children’s best-seller.
In 2005, Wilkinson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his remarkable contributions to drama. He is survived by his wife, actress Diana Hardcastle, and their two daughters, Alice and Mollie. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.
