The celebrated British actor Tom Wilkinson, famous for his roles in The Full Monty, Shakespeare in Love, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, passed away at the age of 75. He won a BAFTA for his work in The Full Monty, and received six BAFTA nominations overall, as well as two Oscar nominations for In The Bedroom and Michael Clayton. Wilkinson was praised for his versatility, equally comfortable playing historical figures or criminals across film and TV. He earned an Emmy for playing Benjamin Franklin in John Adams and played Lyndon B Johnson in Selma.
Wilkinson died suddenly in his home with his wife and family present, according to a statement released by his agent. He was remembered fondly by colleagues and fans alike. George Clooney, who starred with Wilkinson in Michael Clayton, called him “the epitome of elegance”, and said “Tom made every project better. Made every actor better”. Actor Robert Carlyle, who worked with Wilkinson in The Full Monty, called him “one of the greats of not only his, but of any generation”.
Born in Leeds, Wilkinson realized his passion for acting early in life and pursued formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He began his career in TV and theatre before landing significant screen roles in the 1986 mini-series First Among Equals and 1988 film The Storyteller. His breakout role came with 1997’s The Full Monty, a sleeper hit that earned critical raves and became the highest-grossing British film of all time.
Wilkinson was beloved by both audiences and his peers for his humility and lack of pretension. He spoke of his love of going to Waitrose and not being recognized, and was known for his down-to-earth demeanor. In 2005 he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to drama
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