Longtime Actor Albert Finney Dies at 82: Reports

British actor Albert Finney arrives to the premiere of his new film 'Erin Brockovich' in Los Angeles, on March 14, 2000. (Lucy Nicholson/AFP/Getty Images)

Albert Finney, who is known for his roles in “Skyfall” and “Tom Jones,” died at age 82, it was reported.

Finney’s family said on Feb. 8 that the longtime actor “passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side,” reported the BBC. "The family request privacy at this sad time.”

He was nominated for five Academy Awards, including for roles in “Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Dresser,” “Under the Volcano,” and “Erin Brockovich.”

A representative told the Guardian that he died of a chest infection at the Royal Marsden hospital. His wife and son were by his side.

Although Finney rarely discussed his personal life, he told the Manchester Evening News in 2012 that he had been treated for kidney cancer for five years, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, according to The Associated Press.

He also explained why he had not attended the Academy Awards in Los Angeles even when he was nominated for the film world’s top prize.

“It seems silly to go over there and beg for an award,” he told the paper.

He credited the headmaster of his local school, Eric Simms, for recommending that he attend the renowned drama school.

“He’s the reason I am an actor,” Finney said in 2012.

Finney made his first professional turn at 19 and appeared in several TV movies, including “She Stoops to Conquer” in 1956 and “The Claverdon Road Job” the following year.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Albert Finney. The recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship in 2001, Finney will be warmly remembered for his powerful performances in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Tom Jones, Big Fish and many more,” BAFTA tweeted, offering condolences.

A number of actors and other celebrities offered social media tributes following his death.

"One of the true great. Both on stage and screen. A powerhouse of an actor. A real hero of mine. RIP Albert Finney," said David Morrissey, the actor.

Celebrities Lost So Far in 2019

James Ingram

Longtime R&B singer James Ingram died in late January. Quincy Jones, a collaborator of his, wrote: "With that soulful, whisky sounding voice, James Ingram was simply magical ... every beautiful note that James sang pierced your essence and comfortably made itself at home."

Singer James Ingram has died at the age of 66 after a battle with brain cancer, according to reports on Jan. 29. (Getty Images)

Fatima Ali

"Top Chef" alum Fatima Ali died on Friday, January 25, after a battle with terminal cancer. She was 29.

Former "Top Chef" contestant Bruce Kalman paid tribute to her: “It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer,” he wrote

“Top Chef” star Fatima Ali died at the age of 29 after battling a form of bone cancer, said her family. (Instagram / Selfie)

Carol Channing

Carol Channing in Concord, N.H. Channing, whose career spanned decades on Broadway and on television has died at age 97. Publicist B. Harlan Boll says Channing died of natural causes early in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2019. (Jim Cole/AP Photo, File)

Bob Einstein

Bob Einstein in Hollywood, Calif., on June 27, 2018. (Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

Comedian and actor Bob Einstein died on Jan. 2 after a battle with cancer. He was 76.

Daryl Dragon

Daryl 'The Captain' Dragon beside his ex-wife, Toni Tennille, wearing his signature captain's hat. (Hillel Italie/AP)

Daryl Dragon, or "Captain" of pop group Captain and Tennille, died on Jan. 2 of renal failure.