His family confirmed his death in a statement released by his publicist on Saturday, saying that he died suddenly at his home in North London on December 30th. His wife and family were with him and asked for privacy at this time.

Wilkinson was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in 1948 and grew up in a farming family. He moved to Canada with his parents when he was 11 and returned to the UK five years later. He studied English and American literature at the University of Kent and then attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

RIP Tom Wilkinson. pic.twitter.com/hVce91i6uZ

— Films to Films (@filmstofilms_) December 30, 2023

He began his acting career in the 1970s, appearing on stage and on British television shows such as Prime Suspect, Inspector Morse and The Ruth Rendell Mysteries. He made his film debut in 1984 in the comedy The Bounty, alongside Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins.

He rose to international fame in 1997 with his performance as Gerald, a laid-off steelworker who joins a group of men who form a male striptease act, in the hit comedy The Full Monty. The film was a surprise success, grossing over $250 million worldwide and earning Wilkinson a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

He received his first Oscar nomination in 2002 for his role as Matt Fowler, a grieving father who seeks revenge for the murder of his son, in the drama film In the Bedroom, directed by Todd Field. He also won a New York Film Critics Circle Award and a National Board of Review Award for his performance.

RIP Tom Wilkinson, so underrated as mob boss Carmine Falcone in Batman Begins (2005) 🤌 pic.twitter.com/rnjKjnOgan

— Kriegler (@Kriegler007) December 30, 2023

Wilkinson continued to work in a variety of genres and roles, showcasing his range and versatility as an actor. He played the villainous Carmine Falcone in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (2005), a corrupt lawyer in Tony Gilroy’s Michael Clayton (2007), for which he earned his second Oscar nomination, and a disillusioned spy in Roman Polanski’s The Ghost Writer (2010).

He also appeared in acclaimed films such as Shakespeare in Love (1998), The Patriot (2000), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), Selma (2014), where he portrayed US President Lyndon B. Johnson, and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).

He was equally successful on the small screen, winning a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the HBO miniseries John Adams (2008). He also received Emmy nominations for his roles in the HBO films Normal (2003) and Recount (2008), and the miniseries The Kennedys (2011).

Wilkinson was known for his modesty and professionalism, as well as his generosity and kindness towards his co-stars and colleagues. He was married to actress Diana Hardcastle since 1988 and had two children, Alice and Molly.

Goodbye Tom Wilkinson, an amazing talent and wonderful human being. Very proud to have worked with him on The Exorcism of Emily Rose. pic.twitter.com/fBLwFdncE1

— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) December 30, 2023

Tributes have poured in from the film industry and fans, who have expressed their admiration and gratitude for Wilkinson’s work and legacy. Scott Derrickson, who directed Wilkinson in The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), wrote on Twitter: “Goodbye Tom Wilkinson, an amazing talent and wonderful human being.” Ruby Rose, who co-starred with Wilkinson in SAS: Red Notice (2021), posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying: “I am so lucky to have worked with you and learned from you. You were a legend and a gentleman. Rest in peace, Tom Wilkinson.”

Tom Wilkinson was a rare and remarkable actor who brought depth, nuance and humanity to every character he played. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends and fans around the world.