Last updated on the 17 March 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born 21 March, 1958, New Cross, London, England.

With a career spanning over four decades, Gary Oldman has captivated audiences with his exceptional acting skills and ability to immerse himself in a wide range of roles. 

He trained at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance and later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he developed his craft on stage. It was during this time that Oldman gained recognition for his intense and captivating performances.

Oldman’s breakthrough role came in 1986 when he portrayed punk rocker Sid Vicious in the biographical drama “Sid and Nancy.” His transformative portrayal of the troubled musician earned him critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in the industry. This role showcased Oldman’s ability to completely immerse himself in a character, a skill he would become known for throughout his career.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Oldman continued to deliver remarkable performances in a variety of genres. From playing the villainous Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg in “The Fifth Element” to portraying the iconic Count Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” Oldman demonstrated his versatility as an actor.

In 2011, Gary Oldman received widespread recognition for his portrayal of George Smiley in the espionage thriller “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” The role earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This marked a turning point in Oldman’s career, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s most respected actors.

Oldman’s remarkable performances continued with his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the 2017 war drama “Darkest Hour.” His transformative performance as the British Prime Minister earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. Oldman’s dedication to his craft and his ability to bring historical figures to life is a testament to his exceptional talent.

In addition to his acting career, Oldman has also ventured into directing and producing. He made his directorial debut with the 1997 film “Nil by Mouth,” a gritty drama based on his own experiences growing up in London. The film received critical acclaim and further showcased Oldman’s talent behind the camera.

Gary Oldman’s remarkable career is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. From intense and metamorphic performances to his foray into directing, Oldman has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the film industry. His ability to bring a wide range of characters to life has made him one of the most respected and admired actors of his generation.

WINNER  | Film: Original Screenplay for Níl By Mouth (1998)  | Film: Leading Actor for Darkest Hour (2018)

WINNER | Best Actor for Darkest Hour (2018)

Suggested viewing

Slow Horses (2022)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9

This fast-paced and clever spy drama follows the lives of a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents, led by the notorious and unconventional Jackson Lamb. As they traverse the complex world of espionage, filled with smoke and mirrors, they must defend England from sinister forces that threaten its security. With sharp wit and unexpected twists, this series offers a thrilling and gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal and the high-stakes game of intelligence.

Top cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce, Jack Lowden, Olivia Cooke, Rosalind Eleazar, Sam Hazeldine, Samuel West, Antonio  Aakeel.

Darkest Hour (2017)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

A gripping historical drama depicting Winston Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. Faced with the imminent threat of Nazi invasion, Churchill must rally his nation, make difficult decisions and inspire hope in the face of overwhelming odds. A powerful portrayal of leadership and resilience.

Top cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Ronald Pickup, Stephen Dillane, Nicholas Jones, Samuel West, David Schofield.

Related to

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Bftv 8.5  / IMDb 7.4

When Dracula leaves the captive Jonathan Harker and Transylvania for London in search of Mina Murray, the reincarnation of Dracula’s long-dead wife Elisabeta, obsessed vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing sets out to end the madness.

Top cast: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, Anthony Hopkins, Sadie Frost, Cary Elwes, Richard E. Grant, Billy Campbell, Tom Waits.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Bftv 8.5  / IMDb 7.0

A gripping espionage thriller set during the Cold War, focusing on retired intelligence officer George Smiley as he is brought back to uncover a Soviet mole within the British Secret Service. With intricate plots, double-crosses, and deep-rooted paranoia, Smiley must contend with a web of deceit and betrayal to save his agency.

Top cast: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciarán Hinds, David Dencik.

Alternative version

Sid and Nancy (1986)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.0

“Sid and Nancy” is a gritty biographical film depicting the tumultuous relationship between two infamous punk icons. Their volatile love story unfolds amidst drug addiction, violence and rebellion in the midst of the punk music scene. The film portrays the destructive journey of passion, betrayal and tragedy that ultimately leads to a heartbreaking conclusion.

Top cast: Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman, Debby Bishop, Andrew Schofield, Xander Berkeley, Perry Benson, Tony London.

Related to

Prick Up Your Ears (1987)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.1

A biographical film depicting the tumultuous relationship between two British playwrights, Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell. It explores their rise to fame in the 1960s London theatre scene, followed by personal and professional conflicts. The movie delves into themes of ambition, jealousy and the complexities of human relationships within creative environments.

Top cast: Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, Vanessa Redgrave, Wallace Shawn, Lindsay Duncan, Julie Walters, James Grant, Frances Barber.

Gary Oldman full filmography @ Wikipedia