Albert Finney Net Worth

Albert Finney: A Cinematic Titan’s Life, Career, and Net Worth

Albert Finney was a highly acclaimed English actor, celebrated for his versatility and compelling performances across film, television, and stage. His career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. At the time of his death in 2019, his net worth was estimated at $10 million, a testament to his successful and enduring contributions to the arts. This article delves into the life, career, and lasting legacy of Albert Finney, exploring his key roles, early life, and the impact he had on the industry.

Early Life and Education

Albert Finney was born on May 9, 1936, in Salford, Lancashire, England. He was the youngest of three children born to Albert Sr. and Alice Finney. Growing up in Salford, Finney received his education at Tootal Drive Primary School and later at Salford Grammar School. His interest in acting blossomed during his formative years, leading him to pursue formal training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). He graduated from RADA in 1956, marking the official start of his professional journey in the world of performing arts.

Film Career: The 1960s and 1970s

Finney’s film career took off in 1960 with his debut in Tony Richardson’s “The Entertainer,” where he starred alongside Laurence Olivier. Later that year, he secured his first leading role in “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning,” a film that solidified his status as a rising star. The collaboration with director Tony Richardson proved fruitful, as they teamed up again in 1963 for “Tom Jones.” This period comedy, an adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel, was a massive success, earning the Academy Award for Best Picture. Finney’s performance garnered his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Finney continued to deliver memorable performances in a diverse range of roles. Some of his notable films during this time include:

• “The Victors”
• “Night Must Fall”
• “Two for the Road” (opposite Audrey Hepburn)
• “Charlie Bubbles” (also directed by Finney)
• “The Picasso Summer”
• “Scrooge”
• “Gumshoe”
• “Alpha Beta”
• “Murder on the Orient Express”

His portrayal of Hercule Poirot in Sidney Lumet’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” in 1974 earned him his second Academy Award nomination. Furthermore, Finney showcased his versatility by portraying French statesman Joseph Fouché in Ridley Scott’s historical drama “The Duellists” later in the decade.

Getty Images

Further Film Achievements

The 1980s saw Finney expanding his repertoire with roles in various genres. He starred in the heist film “Loophole,” the horror film “Wolfen,” and the science-fiction thriller “Looker” in 1981. In 1982, he delivered acclaimed performances in Alan Parker’s “Shoot the Moon” and John Huston’s adaptation of the Broadway musical “Annie.” Finney’s exceptional acting continued to earn him accolades, including a third Academy Award nomination for his performance in the Peter Yates drama “The Dresser” in 1983. He received another nomination the following year for John Huston’s “Under the Volcano.”

Throughout the subsequent years, Finney continued to choose roles that highlighted his talent and range:

• “Orphans” (1987)
• “Miller’s Crossing” (1990)
• “Erin Brockovich” (2000): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor
• “Big Fish” (2003)
• “The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007 & 2012)
• “Skyfall” (2012)

In 1987, he reprised his stage role in Alan J. Pakula’s drama “Orphans.” The 1990s brought roles in the Coen brothers’ gangster film “Miller’s Crossing,” followed by appearances in “The Playboys,” “Rich in Love,” and “The Browning Version.” Finney’s contribution to the 2000 film “Erin Brockovich,” portraying real-life lawyer Edward L. Masry, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also had roles in Steven Soderbergh’s crime drama “Traffic” and Tim Burton’s “Big Fish.” In 2007, he played Dr. Albert Hirsch in “The Bourne Ultimatum.” Finney’s final film role was as Mr. Kincade in the James Bond film “Skyfall” in 2012.

(Photo by Eric Robert/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images)

Television and Stage Work

Finney’s career extended beyond the silver screen to include notable contributions to television and stage. His television debut was in 1959 with a recurring role in the ITV medical soap opera “Emergency Ward 10.” A significant television role came in 1984 when he portrayed the titular character in the CBS television film “Pope John Paul II.” He continued to appear in television productions, including the British miniseries “The Endless Game” and the HBO television film “The Image.” Finney also starred in adaptations of Kingsley Amis’s novel “The Green Man” and Dennis Potter’s dramas “Karaoke” and “Cold Lazarus.” He gave an outstanding performance as Winston Churchill in the 2002 television film “The Gathering Storm,” which earned him several awards, including BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards.

Finney’s stage career began in the 1950s, featuring productions like “Henry V,” “The Party,” and “Coriolanus.” In the 1960s, he originated the title role in John Osborne’s play “Luther,” earning a Tony Award nomination. He also appeared in “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg,” for which he received a second Tony nomination. Later, he starred in “Orphans” and “Art.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Albert Finney’s personal life included three marriages. He was married to actress Jane Wenham from 1957 to 1961 and had a son, Simon. In 1970, he married French actress Anouk Aimée, though they divorced in 1978. His final marriage was to travel agent Penelope Delmage in 2006.

Albert Finney passed away from a chest infection on February 7, 2019, in Chelsea, London, at the age of 82. His death marked the end of an illustrious career, leaving behind a rich legacy of exceptional performances. Finney’s contributions to the film industry have cemented his place as one of Britain’s most beloved and respected actors, whose impact continues to inspire aspiring actors and entertain audiences worldwide.