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Last updated on the 23 August 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: May 9, 1936, Salford, Greater Manchester, England.
Albert Finney was a prominent English actor known for his versatile performances in film, television, and theatre. Born to Alice and Albert Finney Sr., he grew up in a working-class family. His father was a bookmaker and his mother worked in a cotton mill. The young Finney attended Salford Grammar School, where he excelled in drama and sports, showing early signs of his acting talent.
After completing his education at Salford Grammar School, Finney went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, a prestigious institution known for nurturing talented actors. There he developed a strong foundation in classical acting techniques. During his time at RADA, Finney emerged as a promising young actor with a natural flair for the stage.
Albert Finney’s breakout role came in 1960 when he starred in the film “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning,” directed by Karel Reisz. His portrayal of the rebellious factory worker Arthur Seaton earned him critical acclaim and established him as a leading figure in the British New Wave cinema movement. This role marked the beginning of a successful film career for Finney, characterised by a string of memorable performances in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Throughout his career, Finney appeared in a wide range of film and television productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He received five Academy Award nominations over the course of his career, earning recognition for his performances in films such as “Tom Jones” (1963), “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974), “The Dresser” (1983), and “Erin Brockovich” (2000). Finney’s ability to inhabit diverse characters with depth and authenticity set him apart as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
In addition to his work on screen, Finney also made notable contributions to the stage, earning acclaim for his performances in productions such as “Hamlet,” “Coriolanus,” and “Orphans.” His talent and dedication to his craft were evident in his commitment to delivering compelling and nuanced performances across different mediums, solidifying his reputation as a consummate actor.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Albert Finney maintained a relatively private personal life. He was known for his humility, shunning the trappings of celebrity and choosing to focus on his work rather than fame. Despite his success and recognition in the entertainment industry, Finney remained grounded and true to his roots, embodying the values of hard work and integrity instilled in him during his upbringing.
Albert Finney passed away on February 7, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional performances and a lasting influence on the world of acting. His contributions to film, television, and theatre continue to be celebrated and his impact on audiences and fellow artists endures as a testament to his talent and passion for the craft of acting.
WINNER | Film: Most Promising Newcomer To Leading Film Roles for Saturday Night And Sunday Morning (1961) | Television: Actor for The Gathering Storm (2003)
Suggested viewing
Nothing But the Best (1964)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.6
Nothing But the Best is a poignant exploration of class and ambition set in post-war England. Alan Bates plays a working-class boy who, despite his humble origins, yearns for a life of privilege and success. Through his relentless pursuit of social mobility, he confronts the challenges and sacrifices inherent in such a journey, ultimately leading him to question the true meaning of success and happiness.
Top cast: Alan Bates, Denholm Elliott, Millicent Martin, Harry Andrews, Pauline Delaney, Godfrey Quigley, Alison Leggatt, Lucinda Curtis, Nigel Stock, Anneke Wills.
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5
“Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” follows the life of a young man living in post-war England. Through his work in a factory, he navigates his mundane weekdays, only to indulge in reckless behaviour during weekends. His relationships with women, particularly his affair with a married woman, lead to complications and self-discovery. As he grapples with societal expectations and personal desires, he confronts the consequences of his actions, ultimately reflecting on the choices that shape his identity and future.
Top cast: Albert Finney, Shirley Anne Field, Rachel Roberts, Hylda Baker, Norman Rossington, Bryan Pringle, Robert Cawdron, Avis Bunnage, Colin Blakely.
Related to
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
“Murder on the Orient Express” is a classic mystery that follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder on a luxurious train. The victim, an unsavoury character, is found dead in his compartment, leading Poirot to interrogate a diverse group of passengers. As the detective unravels the clues and alibis, he discovers a web of secrets and lies among the passengers, ultimately revealing a surprising twist in a tale of revenge and justice aboard the snowbound train.
Top cast: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Sean Connery, Martin Balsam, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean-Pierre Cassel, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Rachel Roberts, Richard Widmark, Michael York.
Alternative version
Scrooge (1970)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5
“Scrooge” from 1970 is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, “A Christmas Carol.” The film follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted old man who despises the joy of the Christmas season. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, who show him the consequences of his actions and reveal a path to redemption.
Through haunting visions and heartfelt revelations, Scrooge learns the true spirit of Christmas and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The film beautifully captures the themes of redemption, compassion and the power of love and generosity to change a person’s life for the better. The musical elements add an extra layer of emotion and depth to this timeless Christmas tale.
Top cast: Albert Finney, Alec Guinness, Edith Evans, Kenneth More, Laurence Naismith, Michael Medwin, David Collings, Anton Rodgers.
Alternative versions
Tom Jones (1963)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.4
“Tom Jones” follows the life of a foundling raised by a kind-hearted squire and his family in 18th-century England. Tom grows up into a charming young man with a penchant for mischief and romance. His amorous adventures lead to misunderstandings, scandal and various trials. Despite facing challenges and temptations, Tom remains true to his good nature and eventually finds his place in society through a series of comedic and dramatic events, highlighting themes of love, class and morality in a lively and satirical manner.
Top cast: Albert Finney, Susannah York, George Devine, Rachel Kempson, Angela Baddeley, Joyce Redman, Jack MacGowran, Diane Cilento.
The Gathering Storm (2002)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4
The film portrays Winston Churchill’s early opposition to the British government’s policy towards Nazi Germany, his political isolation, personal struggles and eventual rise to become Prime Minister during World War II. It highlights his steadfast leadership and determination to rally his country against the growing threat of Nazi aggression.
Top cast: Albert Finney, Vanessa Redgrave, Jim Broadbent, Linus Roache, Lena Headey, Derek Jacobi, Ronnie Barker, Tom Wilkinson, Celia Imrie, Hugh Bonneville, Gottfried John.
More Churchill
