BREAKING! Popular Veteran Actor Is Dead (PHOTO)

Popular Actor Tom Wilkinson dies aged 75 after starring in Shakespeare In Love and Batman Begins.

The star’s heartbroken family today announced his tragic death.

The BRITISH Oscar-nominated actor Tom Wilkinson  died “suddenly” at his home today.

The star has had a glittering cinema career and featured in the Disney+ reboot of The Full MontyCredit: Disney+
Tom also starred in hit movie Batman Begins in 2005

Wilkinson’s heartbroken family today announced his death and said they were at his side when he took his final breaths.

The devastated loved one’s statement, sent through an agent, read: “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 family asks for privacy at this time.”

Wilkinson, who hailed from Yorkshire before moving to Canada and then Cornwall in childhood, is survived by his actress wife Diana Hardcastle and their two daughters Alice and Mollie.

The couple tied the knot in 1988 and would go on to play husband and wife in The Kennedys in 2011 as well as the 2014 film Good People.

Tom had a glittering career on cinema screens, and also starred in Shakespeare in Love and Batman Begins in his time on screens.

The star received various awards throughout his career, including a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy Award and nominations for two Academy Awards.

He most recently linked back up with his The Full Monty co-stars, Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy, in a Disney+ series of the same name.

In the original film, Wilkinson’s character played a critical role in the film as he was recruited to help the unemployed Sheffield men dance ahead of them performing to a Tom Jones version of You Can Leave Your Hat On.

He would also take home best supporting actor during the 1998 Bafta ceremony for his role in the film.

Actor Aneurin Barnard, who starred opposite Wilkinson in Dead In A Week (Or Your Money Back), said he was “very sad” to hear of his death.

On X, formerly Twitter, Barnard wrote: “I had a very great time getting to know him and working with him.

“One of our wonderful legends that we say goodbye to. Bye for now Tom x.”

Will Young also paid respects to Wilkinson and hailed him as “British acting royalty”.

The singer said The Full Monty star Wilkinson came to his aid when he was going for acting auditions.

Young, who has appeared in Mrs Henderson Presents, Marple and Highland Park, wrote on Instagram: “Goodbye friend. Funny, bloody smart, helped me with auditions along with (Diana Hardcastle) and what a terrific actor. British acting royalty I salute you dear Tom xxx.”

Meanwhile, American filmmaker Scott Derrickson also paid tribute to talented actor Tom.

Derrickson, known for directing horror films such as Sinister and The Black Phone, recalled a time when the actor gave him a surprise kiss on the lips whilst on the set of The Exorcism Of Emily Rose.

The film director tweeted: “When we wrapped The Exorcism of Emily Rose, I went to him to say goodbye.

“As I went in for a hug, he turned sideways and put one arm around my shoulder.

“I said, ‘Well that’s a British hug if I’ve ever had one…’

“He frowned at me, then grabbed my face and kissed me right on the lips for a good five seconds, then declared loudly, ‘Don’t ever insult British affection or sense of romance! We invented the stuff!'”

He described Wilkinson as “an amazing talent and wonderful human being”.

Wilkinson was nominated for Academy Awards for actor in a leading role for In The Bedroom in 2001.

He was also nominated for best supporting actor for his performance in the 2007 legal thriller Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney.

Wilkinson also won a 2009 Golden Globe and 2008 Emmy for his role as American political figure Benjamin Franklin in HBO series John Adams opposite Paul Giamatti.

He was also known for his roles in a BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens novel Martin Chuzzlewit, the 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibility and the 2014 Wes Anderson comedy drama The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Fans flocked to X, formally Twitter, to pay tribute to the star, with one writing: “Rest in peace, Tom Wilkinson.

“Once he broke through in Hollywood, late in life, he proved to be masterfully versatile.

“But for me, his vulnerable, hilarious portrait of a middle-aged, middle class Northerner at the end of his tether in The Full Monty always shone the brightest.”

Another penned: “RIP #TomWilkinson. A fine actor and a generous human being. 1948 – 2022.”

While a third wrote: “Oh no, Tom Wilkinson died. One of our great actors.”

Tom studied English and American literature at the University of Kent, where he developed a keen interest in acting and directing.

He first appeared on screens in 1976 and would go on to star in several shows, including the 1986 political drama First Among Equals.