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Gary OldmanBritish actor and director
Date of Birth: 21.03.1958
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Gary Oldman: A Biographical Sketch
- Theatrical Beginnings
- Breakthrough on Stage and Screen
- Hollywood Recognition and "Actor's Actor"
- Awards and Accolades
- Personal Life
Gary Oldman: A Biographical Sketch
Early YearsGary Leonard Oldman was born in London, England in 1958 to a welder father and housewife mother. The family soon dissolved, and Gary and his sisters remained with their mother, seeing increasingly less of their father. At the age of 14, he joined the Greenwich Young People's Theatre but left two years later to begin earning a living.
Theatrical Beginnings
Despite his early departure from the theatre, Oldman remained passionate about the arts, immersing himself in literature and music. He auditioned for the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he enrolled at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in Kent, graduating with honors in 1979.
Breakthrough on Stage and Screen
Oldman toured Europe and South America with the Glasgow Citizens' Theatre Company before embarking on a successful British television career in the mid-1980s. He also became a leading actor on the English stage, earning several awards. Notably, he received the Time Out Award for "Best Debut of the Season" in 1985-1986 for his role in "The Pope's Wedding" and the Drama Theatre Association Award for "Best Actor" in 1985.
Oldman's first major film role came in 1986 as Sid Vicious in Alex Cox's biopic "Sid and Nancy." His critically acclaimed portrayal won him the "Best Debut" award. The following year, he starred as gay playwright Joe Orton in Stephen Frears' "Prick Up Your Ears," further showcasing his versatility and talent for complex characters.
Hollywood Recognition and "Actor's Actor"
In 1994, Oldman achieved international fame for his role as the "оборотня" cop in Luc Besson's thriller "Léon." His character was so authentic that audiences loathed him throughout the film. Three years later, he directed his own drama "Nil by Mouth," which received a nomination at the Cannes Film Festival.
Known in Hollywood as the "Actor's Actor," Oldman often eclipses lead characters with his memorable supporting roles. His performances as real-life figures like Sid Vicious, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Lee Harvey Oswald have become synonymous with his persona.
Awards and Accolades
Oldman has received numerous awards for his acting and directing. His British Academy Film Award for "Best Actor" in "Prick Up Your Ears" stands out, along with his Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for "Nil by Mouth." He has also won MTV Movie Awards for "Best Kiss" in "Dracula" and "Best Fight" in "Air Force One."
Personal Life
Oldman has had a colorful personal life, having been married four times. His first marriage was to Lesley Manville in 1988, followed by a two-year union with Uma Thurman. He married Donya Fiorentino in 1997 but divorced her after four years. His current wife is Alexandra Edenborough. Oldman has three sons from different marriages.
