BRITISH Oscar-nominated actor Tom Wilkinson died “suddenly” at home today.
The Full Monty actor, best known as steel foreman Gerald Cooper in the comedy, was only 75 years old.
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British actor Tom Wilkinson died tragically at home today, his family revealedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Tom quickly became a fan favorite in The Full MontyCredits: Rex
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The star has had a glittering film career and appeared in the Disney+ reboot of The Full MontyCredits: Disney+
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Tom also starred in the hit film Batman Begins in 2005. Credit: Rex
Wilkinson’s devastated family announced his death today and said they were by his side when he took his last breath.
A statement from a heartbroken loved one, sent through an agent, read: “It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he passed away suddenly at home on December 30.
“His wife and family were with him. The family is asking for privacy at this time.”
Wilkinson, who is originally from Yorkshire before moving to Canada and then Cornwall as a child, is survived by his actress wife Diana Hardcastle and their two daughters Alice and Mollie.
The couple married in 1988 and would go on to play husband and wife in 2011’s The Kennedys as well as 2014’s The Good Men.
Tom had a brilliant career on the big screen, and in his time on the big screen he also starred in Shakespeare in Love and Batman Begins.
The star has received various awards throughout her career, including a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award and nominations for two Academy Awards.
He recently linked up with his The Full Monty co-stars Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy in the Disney+ series of the same name.
In the original film, Wilkinson’s character played a key role in the film as he was hired to help unemployed men from Sheffield dance in front of them by performing a version of Tom Jones’ You Can Leave Your Hat On.
He would also take home Best Supporting Actor during the 1998 Bafta ceremony for his role in the film.
Actor Aneurin Barnard, who starred alongside Wilkinson in Dead In A Week (Or Your Money Back), said he was “very sad” to hear of his death.
On X, formerly Twitter, Barnard wrote: “It was really nice to meet him and work with him.
“One of our wonderful legends we say goodbye to. Goodbye, Tom x.”
Will Young also paid tribute to Wilkinson and hailed him as “British acting royalty”.
The singer said The Full Monty star Wilkinson came to his aid when he auditioned for the role.
Young, who has appeared in Mrs Henderson Presents, Marple and Highland Park, wrote on Instagram: “Goodbye my friend. Funny, bloody clever, helped me audition with (Diana Hardcastle) and what a great actor he is. British acting royalty, I greet you dear Tom xxx.”
Meanwhile, American director Scott Derrickson also paid tribute to the talented actor Tom.
Derrickson, known for directing horror films such as Sinister and The Black Phone, recalled the time the actor suddenly kissed him on the lips while on the set of The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
The director tweeted: “When we finished The Exorcism of Emily Rose, I went up to him to say goodbye.
“When I went to hug him, he turned sideways and put one arm around my shoulder.
“I said, ‘Well that’s a British hug if I ever had one…’
“He scowled at me, then grabbed my face and kissed me straight on the lips for a good five seconds, then loudly declared: ‘Don’t ever insult British love or sense of romance! We made it up!'”
He described Wilkinson as “an amazing talent and a wonderful human being”.
Wilkinson was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for In the Bedroom in 2001.
He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Michael Clayton’s 2007 legal thriller, starring George Clooney.
Wilkinson also won a Golden Globe in 2009 and an Emmy in 2008 for his portrayal of American political figure Benjamin Franklin in the HBO series John Adams opposite Paul Giamatti.
He was also known for his roles in the BBC adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel Martin Chuzzlewit, the 1995 Jane Austen adaptation Sense And Sensibility and the 2014 Wes Anderson comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Fans flocked to X, formally Twitter, to pay tribute to the star, with one writing: “Rest in peace Tom Wilkinson.
“When he broke into Hollywood, late in life, he proved to be a masterful all-rounder.
“But for me, his vulnerable, hilarious portrayal of a middle-aged middle-class northerner on the wane in The Full Monty always shone brightest.”
Another wrote: “RIP #TomWilkinson. A fine actor and a generous human being. 1948 – 2022.”
While a third wrote: “Oh no Tom Wilkinson has died. One of our great actors.”
Tom studied English and American literature at the University of Kent, where he developed a keen interest in acting and directing.
He made his first screen appearance in 1976, and would later star in several series, including the 1986 political drama First Among Equals.
But it was his memorable role in The Full Monty that catapulted Wilkinson to stardom in 1997.
He would go on to star in a number of Hollywood films and dramas that further cemented his status as an actor of greatness.
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Tom is survived by his wife actress Diana HardcastleCredit: Getty
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The 75-year-old was best known for his time on The Full MontyCredit: Capital Pictures
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Tom also starred in Shakespeare in Love opposite Ben Affleck Credits: Rex
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The star was only 75 years old Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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From left to right, Tom Wilkinson, Robert Carlyle, Steve Huison, Hugo Speer, Paul Barber and Mark Addy appear in a scene from the classic play Credit: Alamy
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Tom Wilkinson stars opposite George Clooney in Michael Clayton Credit: Contributor
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