One of the world’s greatest actors, Albert Finney, has died today. He was 82. FInney was the titular character in the Best Film of 1963, Tony Richardson’s “TOM JONES” and had been nominated five times for OSCAR in his career. Cause of death was not noted after a short illness.
My first recollection of Finney was in that Oscar winning film TOM JONES. Through the years, I would always seek out his performances and his acting style and persona was totally his and unlike any other actor. My favorite performances include TWO FOR THE ROAD (1967) with Audrey Hepburn, SCROOGE (1970), WOLFEN (1971), THE DRESSER (1983), MILLER’S CROSSING (1990), ERIN BROCKOVICK (2000), THE BIG FISH (2003), and BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU ARE DEAD (2007).
HIs work in TWO FOR THE ROAD with the great and beautiful Audrey Hepburn displayed a talent to play comedy in a rather strong dramatic film. A performance that I believe deserved an Oscar bid for that year. HIs relationship with his character and Hepburn’s in this wonderful film displayed his acting range that meshed with his fantastic screen presence. Finney has to be included with other greats of his time, including Peter O’Toole, Richards Harris, and Richard Burton. Records show that Finney was David Lean’s first choice to play T E Lawrence in the great film, but turned it down, allowing O’Toole to take the part.
Albert Finney will not be forgotten.
Finney’s Oscar nominations:
Academy Awards, USA
2001
Nominee
Oscar
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Erin Brockovich (2000)
1985
Nominee
Oscar
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Under the Volcano (1984)1984
Nominee
Oscar
Best Actor in a Leading Role
The Dresser (1983)
1975
Nominee
Oscar
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
1964
Nominee
Oscar
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Tom Jones (1963)
Best performance: Tom Jones
Favorite performance: Erin Brockovich
Favorite Finney film: Wolfen
Best film of his career: Miller’s Crossing
Feature photo: Albert Finney in “WOLFIN”….DVDBEAVER.com
Secondary photo: Albert Finney in “TWO FOR THE ROAD”….GLAMOUR.COM
