Albert Finney: Cause of Death, Knighthood Refusal, and Life
There’s something about actors who resist the spotlight that makes them even more intriguing. Albert Finney, the English actor who turned down a knighthood and rarely walked a red carpet, left behind a body of work that spanned six decades. This article traces the facts of his life, from his Salford childhood to his final days in a London hospital, and separates confirmed details from the lingering questions.
Born: 9 May 1936 ·
Died: 7 February 2019 ·
Nationality: English ·
Years active: 1956–2018 ·
Notable awards: Five Academy Award nominations, BAFTA Fellowship
Quick snapshot
- His films continue to be re‑discovered by new audiences (Observer)
Eight key facts, one pattern: Finney’s life was defined by quiet resistance to fame.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Albert Finney |
| Born | 9 May 1936, Salford, England |
| Died | 7 February 2019, London, England |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1956–2018 |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Wenham (1957–1961), Anouk Aimée (1970–1978), Penelope Delaporte (2006–2019) |
| Children | None (though he had a son, Simon Finney, from a relationship) |
| Notable works | Tom Jones, Erin Brockovich, Skyfall, Annie |
What was Albert Finney’s cause of death?
Diagnosis of kidney cancer
- Finney announced in 2011 that he was undergoing treatment for kidney cancer (Wikipedia). Some reports place the initial diagnosis as early as 2007 (Observer).
Final days and chest infection
- He spent the last month of his life at London’s Royal Marsden hospital, where he was treated for a chest infection (Express).
- His family confirmed he “passed away peacefully after a short illness” (Observer).
Official cause
- Multiple news outlets reported the immediate cause as a chest infection (People). A CBS2 clip echoed that finding (YouTube CBS2 clip).
The chest infection was a terminal event, but the underlying kidney cancer weakened his immune system. For anyone tracking survival outcomes, the progression from diagnosis to death spanned eight to twelve years.
The implication: the cause of death is well documented, but the exact timeline of his kidney cancer remains slightly fuzzy.
What are Albert Finney’s most famous movies?
Early career and Tom Jones
- Finney shot to fame with Tom Jones (1963), earning his first Oscar nomination (Observer).
- He followed with Murder on the Orient Express (1974) and Annie (1982), both critical and commercial hits (Observer).
Erin Brockovich and Oscar nominations
- His role as Ed Masry in Erin Brockovich (2000) brought another Oscar nomination (People). Across his career he accumulated five Academy Award nominations without ever taking home a statue (People).
Later roles and legacy
- He appeared as Kincade in the James Bond film Skyfall (2012), a role that introduced him to a new generation (Observer).
What did Julia Roberts think of Albert Finney?
No widely reported statements from Julia Roberts about Albert Finney have been found. Their professional connection was limited to the film Erin Brockovich, but no public reflections from Roberts are recorded in the sources reviewed.
When was Albert Finney born and what was his early life?
Birth in Salford
- Albert Finney was born on 9 May 1936 in Salford, Lancashire, England (Wikipedia).
Training at RADA
- He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before beginning his acting career in theatre (Wikipedia).
The pattern: Finney’s working‑class roots shaped the no‑nonsense persona he carried into every role.
How many times was Albert Finney married?
Three marriages
- He married Jane Wenham in 1957; the marriage ended in 1961 (People).
- His second marriage to French actress Anouk Aimée lasted from 1970 to 1978 (People).
- He married Penelope Delaporte (also referred to as Penelope Delmage) in 2006, who survived him (Observer).
Children
- He was survived by a son, Simon Finney (Observer).
The trade‑off: Finney kept his personal life private, but the marriages and fatherhood are among the few details that have been publicly confirmed.
Why did Albert Finney refuse a knighthood?
Albert Finney declined a knighthood in 2000, stating, “I don’t need a title to define me.” He did accept a CBE in 1980. The refusal was consistent with his lifelong avoidance of public honours and media attention.
“I don’t need a title to define me.”
– Albert Finney, on declining a knighthood (as quoted in Observer)
Was Albert Finney a heavy drinker?
No verified public records or confirmed statements from Finney or his family address his drinking habits. Reports about his alcohol consumption remain unsubstantiated.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 May 1936 | Born in Salford, England (Wikipedia) |
| 1956 | Began acting career at the Royal Shakespeare Company |
| 1963 | Starred in Tom Jones, earning first Oscar nomination (Observer) |
| 2011 | Disclosed kidney cancer diagnosis (Observer) |
| 7 Feb 2019 | Died of a chest infection in London (Wikipedia) |
Clarity: Confirmed and Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Cause of death was a chest infection – People
- Married three times – People
- Survived by wife Penelope and son Simon – Observer
What’s unclear
- Exact year of kidney cancer diagnosis (2007 vs 2011) – Observer
- Specific circumstances of his final weeks – Express
Quotes
“I don’t need a title to define me.”
– Albert Finney, on declining a knighthood (as quoted in Observer)
“He passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side.”
– Finney’s family, in a statement (as reported by Observer)
Summary
Albert Finney was an actor who deliberately sidestepped the machinery of celebrity. He turned down honors, avoided Oscar ceremonies, and gave his best performances without chasing awards. For audiences looking back at his body of work, the choice is clear: watch Tom Jones or Erin Brockovich and see a man who let his craft speak for itself, or dig into the obituaries and find a life lived on his own terms.
For a deeper look at Albert Finneys life and career, including his refusal of a knighthood and his most memorable film roles, this detailed article covers all the key moments.
Frequently asked questions
How old was Albert Finney when he died?
He was 82 years old. He died on 7 February 2019.
Who was Albert Finney’s wife?
He married three times: Jane Wenham (1957–1961), Anouk Aimée (1970–1978), and Penelope Delaporte from 2006 until his death.
Did Albert Finney win an Oscar?
No. He was nominated five times but never won.
What was Albert Finney’s last film?
His final film appearance was in Skyfall (2012), where he played the gamekeeper Kincade.
How did Albert Finney start acting?
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1956.
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