Legendary actor Albert Finney, a five-time Academy Award nominee who rose to fame in Britain in the 60s, was known for being the "king" of the "kitchen sink" age.

He was a chameleon in film, taking on a variety of vastly different roles — from "Annie" to "Erin Brockovich" to "Skyfall," among others. After a series of television roles, Finney made his debut on the big screen in the 1960 drama film "The Entertainer," directed by Tony Richardson. He later played the role of Arthur on "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning."

However, it wasn't until years later — in 1963 — that he truly became a household name, thanks to his title role as a good-natured, funny and sensual portrayal of an 18th-century English rogue in "Tom Jones."



The star's death at age 82 shocked and saddened fans Friday who praised Finney for always trying to stay out of the limelight. Finney “passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side," his family said in a statement to The Associated Press.

Finney famously turned down a knighthood in 2000, slamming the system for "perpetuating snobbery," according to The Mirror. The no-nonsense actor was nominated for five Oscars, though voiced his opposition to the glitz and glamor that accompanied it. He never took home a trophy nor did he ever attend the ceremony.

“It’s a long way to go just to sit in a non-drinking, non-smoking environment on the off-chance your name is called," he once told The Telegraph of his reason to stay home.



His final acting credit, according to IMDB, was Kincade in the James Bond thriller "Skyfall." As Finney grew older, the star became more picky about his parts.

"From Daddy Warbucks to Winston Churchill, great career, great actor, great life."
— Luke Evans
“Mr Finney is at the time of life when he can be extra choosy about the roles that he accepts. These are difficult times for film producers and he won’t even read a script unless the film is fully financed," Nigel Bennett, his agent and lawyer, told The Telegraph in 2011 — after confirming Finney had been treated for kidney cancer.

The actor's death drew a handful of heartwarming tributes Friday.

Welsh actor Luke Evans recalled Finney's successful, and notably lengthy, career.

"From Daddy Warbucks to Winston Churchill, great career, great actor, great life. RIP #AlbertFinney," Evans wrote.



I love this movie , I have been told that was a movie about me ,,, Albert Finney was great as the daddy in that movie