Tom Wilkinson, Oscar-Nominated ‘Michael Clayton’ and ‘In the Bedroom’ Actor, Dead at 75

Tom Wilkinson, the celebrated British actor who earned Oscar nominations for “In the Bedroom” and “Michael Clayton” and appeared in a litany of other classic films throughout his five decade career, has died at the age of 75. The news was first reported by BBC, which shared a statement from Wilkinson’s agent announcing his death.

“It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him,” the statement read. “The family asks for privacy at this time.”

More from IndieWire

• Dwayne Johnson Admits He Was a 'F*cking Asshole' to Benny Safdie Before Agreeing to Make 'The Smashing Machine'

• 'Mayhem!' Review: 'The Raid' Meets 'Taken' in Xavier Gens' Modestly Enjoyable Kick to the Head

Born in 1948, Wilkinson spent his childhood in England and Canada before deciding to pursue acting in his early 20s. He received a graduate degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1973, and soon began appearing in British films and TV shows. He broke through with his role as fictional MP Raymond Gould in the 1986 ITV network miniseries “First Among Equals,” which paved the way for him to take on higher profile dramatic roles.

The 1990s saw Wilkinson star in hit films such as “Shakespeare in Love,” “Rush Hour,” and “The Full Monty,” the latter of which earned him a BAFTA Award. He reprised his role as foreman-turned-stripper Gerald Cooper in the 2023 FX on Hulu series of the same name, which checked in with the characters 25 years after the events of the film.

Wilkinson began to receive mainstream American awards recognition in the 2000s, beginning with his acclaimed role in Todd Field’s “In the Bedroom.” His performance as a Maine doctor navigating family tragedy earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He followed that with a 2008 nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for “Michael Clayton” in 2008. He also found major television success with his role as Ben Franklin in HBO’s “John Adams” miniseries, which earned him a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Wilkinson continued to work steadily throughout the 2010s, appearing in major films including “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Selma,” and “Snowden.”

Wilkinson is survived by his wife Diana Hardcastle and their two daughters.

Best of IndieWire

• The Best LGBTQ Movies and TV Shows Streaming on Netflix Right Now

• Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 54 Films the Director Wants You to See

• Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.