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Gary Oldman

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Template:Actor Info

Gary Oldman is an Academy Award-winning British actor and filmmaker, renowned for his versatility and transformative performances across a wide range of genres. Oldman first made his mark in theatre, performing in various productions from 1979 to 1986 before making his film debut in 1982 with Remembrance. His Hollywood breakthrough came with his portrayal of Lee Harvey Oswald in Oliver Stone's JFK (1991) and as the iconic title character in Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992).

Oldman received his first Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of George Smiley in the 2011 adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He became a household name to a new generation of viewers through his role as Commissioner James Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy. Oldman’s performances in films like The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012) solidified his position as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

In 2017, Oldman achieved the pinnacle of critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (2017), a role for which he underwent a physical transformation and earned praise for his nuanced and powerful performance.

In addition to his dramatic roles, Oldman has continued to appear in action films, comedies, and voice acting roles, demonstrating his extraordinary range. He starred in 2012’s Lawless as 1920s crime boss Floyd Banner and later appeared in the science fiction epic Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014). His recent notable role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023), where he portrayed U.S. President Harry S. Truman, highlights his continued presence in high-profile projects.

Filmography[]

Organised chronologically by year

Notable Achievements[]

  • Academy Award for Best Actor (2018) for Darkest Hour
  • Multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations
  • Known for transformative character roles, particularly in historical dramas and biopics
  • Iconic performances in The Dark Knight Trilogy and the Harry Potter series, where he portrayed Sirius Black.

Personal Life and Legacy[]

Born in London, England, Oldman studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before embarking on a career that would span several decades. Known for his intense dedication to roles, he has become a fixture in both Hollywood blockbusters and independent films. Oldman continues to be one of the most revered actors of his time, recognized for his ability to fully immerse himself in a character, often disappearing into roles that challenge his abilities and redefine his career.

Trivia[]

  • Directorial Debut: In addition to his celebrated acting career, Gary Oldman made his directorial debut with the semi-autobiographical film Nil by Mouth (1997), which won multiple BAFTA Awards. The film was a raw and gritty portrayal of working-class life in London, inspired by Oldman’s own experiences growing up.
  • Vocal Transformation: Oldman is known for his exceptional ability to adopt different accents and voices for his roles. He famously portrayed characters from different nationalities and social backgrounds, including his turn as Russian terrorist Ivan Korshunov in Air Force One (1997) and Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series.
  • The Many Faces of Oldman: His transformative roles include memorable performances as Dracula in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy (1986), and Beethoven in Immortal Beloved (1994). His remarkable ability to embody real and fictional figures alike has led to him being dubbed a "chameleon" by many critics.
  • Refused Role in Reservoir Dogs: Oldman was reportedly offered the role of Mr. Pink in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs (1992), but he turned it down. The part eventually went to Steve Buscemi.
  • Nearly Turned Down Harry Potter: Oldman initially hesitated to accept the role of Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series because he had taken a break from acting at the time to focus on his family. Ultimately, his portrayal became one of his most beloved performances, and he appeared in several films in the franchise.
  • Close Friends with David Bowie: Oldman had a long-standing friendship with legendary musician David Bowie. The two worked together on Bowie’s The Next Day music video in 2013, where Oldman played a priest.
  • Connection to Batman: Oldman’s role as Commissioner James Gordon in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy (2005–2012) is one of his most well-known performances. Interestingly, before landing the role of Gordon, Oldman had been considered for the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Tim Burton's 1989 Batman, which ultimately went to Michael Keaton.
  • First Oscar at 59: Despite a career spanning over four decades, Oldman won his first Academy Award at the age of 59 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (2017). His performance required extensive makeup and prosthetics, which took hours to apply each day.
  • Music Video Appearances: In addition to acting, Oldman has appeared in several music videos. Besides his collaboration with David Bowie, he also appeared in the Guns N' Roses video for their 1993 cover of Since I Don’t Have You.
  • Highly Praised by Fellow Actors: Oldman is often cited as one of the greatest actors of his generation, with actors such as Daniel Radcliffe, Brad Pitt, and Christian Bale expressing admiration for his work. Tom Hardy has called Oldman "the greatest actor that’s ever lived."
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