Born:
May 09, 1936
in
Salford
Best Known For:
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning.
Early-life:
Born on May 9, 1936, in a working-class area of Salford. His father was a bookmaker. Albert knew from an early age that he wanted to act, even though, at the time, there were few opportunities for someone from his background. At 17, he was accepted by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. After graduating in 1955, he made his professional stage debut in Julius Caesar at Stratford-upon-Avon, where he also understudied Laurence Olivier.
Career:
Finney's movie debut was a small part in The Entertainer in 1960, playing the lead character's ill-fated son. Director Tony Richardson then offered Finney the lead in kitchen-sink drama Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, and period romp Tom Jones. The latter made him a major star and gave him the first of his five Oscar nominations. He turned down the title role in Lawrence of Arabia, but gained plaudits in a string of acclaimed movies, including Murder on the Orient Express, The Duellists, Shoot the Moon, The Dresser, Miller's Crossing, Erin Brockovich, Big Fish and Skyfall. Finney's only film as director is 1967's Charlie Bubbles. His TV work includes Karaoke, Cold Lazarus, The Green Man, My Uncle Silas and The Gathering Storm.
Quote:
"My job is acting, and that is why I hate interviews or lectures, explaining myself to an audience."
Trivia:
Away from showbusiness, Finney is a lifelong supporter of Manchester United.