35 Facts About Albert Finney

Early Life and Education

Albert Finney's journey to becoming a celebrated actor began with humble roots. Here are some fascinating facts about his early years.

1. 01Born on May 9, 1936, in Salford, England, Albert Finney grew up in a working-class family.
2. 02His father, Albert Finney Sr., was a bookmaker, which gave young Albert a glimpse into the world of gambling and horse racing.
3. 03Finney attended Tootal Drive Primary School and later Salford Grammar School, where he developed an interest in acting.
4. 04He earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, one of the most prestigious acting schools in the world.
5. 05At RADA, Finney was classmates with Peter O'Toole and Alan Bates, both of whom would also become legendary actors.

Breakthrough Roles

Finney's career took off with some iconic roles that showcased his immense talent. Let's explore the roles that made him a household name.

6. 06His first major film role was in "The Entertainer" (1960), where he starred alongside Laurence Olivier.
7. 07Finney's breakthrough came with "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" (1960), a film that captured the spirit of the British New Wave cinema.
8. 08He played the title role in "Tom Jones" (1963), a film that won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
9. 09For his role in "Tom Jones," Finney received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
10. 10He turned down the role of T.E. Lawrence in "Lawrence of Arabia," which eventually went to his RADA classmate Peter O'Toole.

Versatility in Acting

Albert Finney was known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters. Here are some facts that highlight his versatility.

11. 11He played Hercule Poirot in "Murder on the Orient Express" (1974), earning another Academy Award nomination.
12. 12Finney portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in the musical film "Scrooge" (1970), showcasing his singing talents.
13. 13He starred as Daddy Warbucks in the film adaptation of the musical "Annie" (1982).
14. 14In "The Dresser" (1983), Finney played an aging actor, earning yet another Academy Award nomination.
15. 15He took on the role of Winston Churchill in the TV movie "The Gathering Storm" (2002), winning a BAFTA Award for his performance.

Later Career and Legacy

Even in his later years, Finney continued to deliver memorable performances. Here are some highlights from his later career.

16. 16He played the role of Ed Masry in "Erin Brockovich" (2000), earning his fifth Academy Award nomination.
17. 17Finney appeared in the "Bourne" series, playing Dr. Albert Hirsch in "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007) and "The Bourne Legacy" (2012).
18. 18He starred in "Big Fish" (2003), directed by Tim Burton, where he played the older version of Ewan McGregor's character.
19. 19Finney appeared in the James Bond film "Skyfall" (2012) as Kincade, the gamekeeper of the Bond family estate.
20. 20Despite his success, Finney never attended the Academy Awards, even when nominated.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his acting career, Finney had a rich personal life filled with interesting hobbies and passions.

21. 21He was married three times, first to actress Jane Wenham, then to French actress Anouk Aimée, and finally to travel agent Pene Delmage.
22. 22Finney had one son, Simon, from his first marriage to Jane Wenham.
23. 23He was an avid supporter of Manchester United, often attending their matches.
24. 24Finney enjoyed painting and had a keen interest in art, often visiting galleries and exhibitions.
25. 25He was known for his love of gardening, spending much of his free time tending to his garden.

Awards and Recognition

Albert Finney's talent did not go unnoticed, as he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

26. 26He won a Golden Globe Award for his role in "Scrooge" (1970).
27. 27Finney received a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in "Erin Brockovich" (2000).
28. 28He was honored with a BAFTA Fellowship in 2001, recognizing his outstanding contribution to film.
29. 29Finney won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in "The Gathering Storm" (2002).
30. 30He was nominated for five Academy Awards but never won, making him one of the most nominated actors never to win an Oscar.

Final Years and Death

Albert Finney's final years were marked by both professional success and personal challenges. Here are some facts about his later life and legacy.

31. 31He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2007, which he battled for several years.
32. 32Despite his illness, Finney continued to work, appearing in films like "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" (2007).
33. 33He retired from acting in 2012, after his role in "Skyfall."
34. 34Finney passed away on February 7, 2019, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances.
35. 35He was remembered by colleagues and fans alike as a versatile actor and a true gentleman.

The Legacy of Albert Finney

Albert Finney's career was nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in theater to his iconic roles in film, he left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Known for his versatility, Finney brought characters to life with a depth and authenticity that few could match. His performances in movies like "Tom Jones," "Murder on the Orient Express," and "Erin Brockovich" showcased his incredible range and talent.

Finney wasn't just an actor; he was a storyteller who connected with audiences on a profound level. His dedication to his craft earned him numerous awards and nominations, cementing his place as one of the greats. Even after his passing, his work continues to inspire and entertain new generations. Albert Finney's legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of a true artist.