Albert Finney Biography
Albert Finney was an iconic English actor, known for his versatility and range of roles throughout his career. He was born on May 9, 1936, in Salford, Lancashire, to Alice and Albert Finney Sr., who was a bookmaker.
Finney attended Tootal Drive Primary School and Salford Grammar School before studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), from which he graduated in 1956.
After completing his education, Albert Finney worked in theatre before making his mark on the big screen in the early 1960s. His first major film role was in Tony Richardson’s The Entertainer (1960), which he followed up with a string of critically acclaimed performances. Some of his early notable film credits include Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960), Tom Jones (1963), Two for the Road (1967), Scrooge (1970), Annie (1982), and The Dresser (1983).
Albert Finney’s later career saw him take on a variety of roles, and some of his later roles include the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, where he portrayed lawyer Ed Masry. This earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in the film Traffic that same year, playing the White House Chief of Staff.
In 2003, Finney starred in the Tim Burton-directed film Big Fish as Edward Bloom Sr., earning another Golden Globe nomination for his performance. He also had a brief but memorable uncredited cameo in Ocean’s Twelve as Gaspar LeMarc in 2004.
In 2005, Finney lent his voice to the character of Finis Everglot in the animated film Corpse Bride. He continued to work on a diverse range of projects, including the romantic comedy A Good Year (2006), the historical drama Amazing Grace (2006), and the action thriller The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), in which he played Dr. Albert Hirsch.
Albert Finney’s last on-screen performance was in the James Bond film Skyfall (2012), where he played the role of Mr. Kincade. Despite his declining health, Finney delivered a memorable performance that was praised by critics and audiences alike.
Albert Finney’s talent was not limited to film, and he continued to work in theatre and television throughout his career. He received numerous accolades for his performances, including BAFTA, Golden Globe, Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, Silver Bear, and Volpi Cup awards.
Albert Finney was nominated for an Academy Award five times, four times for Best Actor for his roles in Tom Jones (1963), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), The Dresser (1983), and Under the Volcano (1984), and as already mentioned for Best Supporting Actor for Erin Brockovich (2000).
In addition to his acting work, Albert Finney was also involved in several charitable causes, including supporting the fight against apartheid in South Africa and working with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. He was also an accomplished painter, with several of his works displayed in galleries and museums around the world.
Despite his success and fame, Albert Finney was known for his down-to-earth and unassuming personality. He married three times and had one son, Simon Finney, from his first marriage. Finney passed away on February 7, 2019, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of incredible performances and contributions to the arts.
