Albert Finney has died at the age of 82, a family spokesman has said.
The actor was best known for his roles in Erin Brockovich, Murder On The Orient Express and Annie.
A statement from his family said: “Albert Finney, aged 82, passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side.
“The family request privacy at this sad time.”
The five-time Oscar nominee, who was born in Salford in 1936, made his movie debut with a small part in The Entertainer in 1960.
Director Tony Richardson then offered Finney the lead in kitchen-sink drama Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, and period romp Tom Jones, which made him a major star.
He most recently starred in the James Bond film Skyfall and the Bourne films.
Tributes have already begun to flood social media, with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly offering her condolences…
Sad news @JohnBoweActor – loved him. Terrific actor. https://t.co/Td6Ei3DhX3
— Lorraine (@reallorraine) 8 February 2019
Albert Finney dying hurts. One of the best actors we’ve ever produced. I remember the first time I watched Miller’s Crossing. Stunning film that.
— David Wilkinson (@DavidMcrLive) 8 February 2019
Albert Finney, one of the true greats of British cinema. Even though it was a small role, his portrayal as a National Service conscript heading to Suez in The Entertainer was superb. Then he played Scrooge in his early 30s… RIP. #AlbertFinney
— Nathan Morley (@nathanmorley) 8 February 2019
RIP Albert Finney “I’m out for a bloody good time me, all the rest is propaganda” pic.twitter.com/hxMnGE5ZBM
— Robert Hamilton (@rhamilton54) 8 February 2019
Oh no Albert Finney! Such a distinct actor with gravitas we don’t see much anymore. RIP.https://t.co/SIgYVriRsT
— Kevin Jacobsen (@Kevin_Jacobsen) 8 February 2019
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