Gary Oldman

GaK1...9uoj

14 Feb 2024

Gary Oldman

Gary Leonard Oldman, born on March 21, 1958, is a distinguished English actor and filmmaker renowned for his exceptional versatility and intense acting style. Throughout his illustrious career, he has amassed numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and three British Academy Film Awards. With his films grossing over $11 billion worldwide, Oldman stands as one of the highest-grossing actors in history.

Oldman embarked on his acting journey in 1979, starting in theatre before transitioning to the silver screen with his debut in Remembrance (1982). He honed his craft at London's esteemed Royal Court and served as a member of the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company, showcasing his talent in productions such as Cabaret, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. His breakout performances in British cinema came with iconic roles like Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy (1986), Joe Orton in Prick Up Your Ears (1987), and Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990).

Embraced as a key figure in the "Brit Pack," Oldman further solidified his status with memorable portrayals of characters such as a New York gangster in State of Grace (1990), Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK (1991), and Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992). Throughout his career, he has masterfully inhabited villainous roles in films like True Romance (1993), Léon: The Professional (1994), and The Fifth Element (1997).

Oldman's contributions to franchise cinema are equally notable, with memorable roles including Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series, James "Jim" Gordon in The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012), and Dreyfus in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014). He achieved the pinnacle of recognition with his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (2017), earning him the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor.

Beyond acting, Oldman has ventured into filmmaking, writing, and directing the acclaimed film Nil by Mouth (1997). His recent endeavors include starring in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses since 2022, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility. Additionally, Oldman earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his guest appearance on the NBC sitcom Friends in 2001. Outside of acting, he has graced music videos for artists such as David Bowie, Guns N' Roses, and Annie Lennox, further highlighting his multifaceted artistic contributions.

Gary Leonard Oldman was born on March 21, 1958, in New Cross, London, to Leonard Bertram Oldman, a former sailor and welder, and Kathleen Cheriton. His childhood was marked by his father's alcoholism, leading to his departure from the family when Oldman was seven. He has an older sister, Maureen, who is an actress known as Laila Morse.

Growing up in south London, Oldman attended West Greenwich School in Deptford before leaving at 16 to work in a sports shop. Initially interested in music, he shifted his focus to acting after being inspired by Malcolm McDowell's performance in The Raging Moon (1971).
Despite his musical talent and early interest in football, particularly Millwall and Manchester United, Oldman pursued acting. He studied at the Young People's Theatre in Greenwich while juggling various jobs, including roles in assembly lines and an abattoir.

Oldman faced initial rejection from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) but eventually earned a scholarship to Rose Bruford College in Sidcup. There, he graduated with a BA in Acting in 1979, honing his skills and performing roles like Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Despite his shy demeanor, Oldman proved himself as a dedicated and talented actor during his college years.

After graduating from drama school, Oldman quickly secured professional roles, becoming the first in his year to do so. He attributed his success not to innate talent but to his dedication and hard work. In 1979, he starred in "Thark" alongside Annette Kerr at York's Theatre Royal, marking the beginning of his professional theater career. His subsequent stage credits included productions like "Cabaret," "Privates on Parade," and "Romeo and Juliet."
In December 1979, Oldman appeared in "Dick Whittington and His Cat" in York, followed by performances in Colchester and with Glasgow's Citizens Theatre. He gained popularity with audiences in Glasgow during the 1980s due to his strong work ethic and intense performances. Oldman also toured Europe and South America with the Citizens Theatre company during this time.

From 1980 to 1981, Oldman appeared in various plays including "The Massacre at Paris," "Desperado Corner," and Robert David MacDonald's "Summit Conference" opposite Glenda Jackson in the West End. He made his film debut in 1982 in Colin Gregg's "Remembrance" and was set to star in Don Boyd's "Gossip" before the project fell through.
In 1983, Oldman landed a starring role as a skinhead in Mike Leigh's "Meantime" and continued his theater work with productions like "Entertaining Mr. Sloane" and "Saved." His breakthrough came with his performance as Scopey in Edward Bond's "The Pope's Wedding" in 1984, earning him prestigious theater awards. This success led to more opportunities at the Royal Court Theatre, where he appeared in several productions until 1986. Oldman also joined the Royal Shakespeare Company from 1985 to 1986, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented actor in the British theater scene.

In 1984, director Alex Cox offered Oldman the role of musician Sid Vicious in the film "Sid and Nancy" after seeing his performance in "The Pope's Wedding." Initially hesitant due to his lack of interest in punk culture and the script's banality, Oldman eventually accepted the role based on the salary and his agent's encouragement. Despite his initial reservations, Oldman's portrayal of Sid Vicious received widespread acclaim, earning him recognition as a versatile actor.

Following his success in "Sid and Nancy," Oldman continued to impress in the role of Joe Orton in "Prick Up Your Ears" (1987), which earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor. His performances in these films catapulted him into the Hollywood spotlight, garnering praise from critics and fellow actors alike. Roger Ebert hailed Oldman as the best young British actor around, noting his ability to reinvent himself for each role.
Oldman's portrayal of Sid Vicious in "Sid and Nancy" was particularly noteworthy, earning him accolades and cementing his status as a rising star in Hollywood. His performance was ranked among the greatest in film history by Premiere magazine, and Uncut magazine praised his sympathetic portrayal of the punk icon.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Oldman continued to deliver captivating performances in a variety of roles. He starred opposite Alan Bates in "We Think the World of You" (1988) and alongside Dennis Hopper and Frances McDormand in "Chattahoochee" (1989). He also portrayed football hooligan Clive "Bex" Bissel in the controversial British television drama "The Firm" (1989), a performance lauded by Total Film as his best.
In 1990, Oldman appeared in "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" and "State of Grace," further showcasing his versatility as an actor. He turned down the lead role in "Edward Scissorhands" but delivered a standout performance as Lee Harvey Oswald in Oliver Stone's "JFK" (1991). His portrayal of Count Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola's "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992) earned him critical acclaim and a Best Actor award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films.
Oldman's ability to portray a wide range of characters, from violent villains to historical figures, solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's most talented actors. Despite his early reluctance to embrace certain roles, Oldman's dedication to his craft and transformative performances have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition in the film industry.