Albert Finney is Dead.

[Conchis]

Good article on Finney's stage career, by admirer Michael Billington:

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/feb/08/albert-finney-on-stage-theatre-modern-classics

I would have loved to have seen him in John Osborne's Luther. He can be seen in the role in Tony Palmer's John Osborne film The Gift Of Friendship, now on youtube.

[DracoM]

First saw him on stage in the West End production of 'Billy Liar'. Funny, sad, direct. Finney was pretty awesome at that age. Think it was his first appearance in the West end as well.

[Conchis]

First saw him on stage in the West End production of 'Billy Liar'. Funny, sad, direct. Finney was pretty awesome at that age. Think it was his first appearance in the West end as well.

I think his first WE appearance was in The Party, a now largely-forgotten play by the largely-forgotten Jane Arden:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Party_(play)

The Wikipedia entry is surely wrong in stating that this was Charles Laughton's first ever appearance on the London stage.

Finney was a protege of Laughton's at the time.

[Tevot]

Hello there,

As a mere youngster aged 53 I have to admit to never seeing Albert Finney on stage - but remember his roles in a number of films from the 1980s onwards such as Wolfen, Erin Brockovich and The Dresser. I've downloaded Charlie Bubbles and also Under The Volcano which I hope to get round seeing in the not too distant future.... Wikipedia has an amazing tidbit that Finney was the first choice as lead in Lawrence of Arabia - but he declined as he didn't want to be tied into a multi - film deal. An intriguing what if - if ever there was !

Best Wishes,

Tevot