Biography
Who is Gary Oldman?
Early life and real name
Gary Leonard Oldman was born in New Cross, London, on March 21, 1958. His father was Leonard Bertram Oldman, a former sailor and welder, and his mother was Kathleen Cheriton. He grew up in south London and attended West Greenwich School before leaving at the age of sixteen to work in a sports shop.
As a child, Gary Oldman played the piano and supported the Millwall football club. He later pursued an acting career after seeing Malcolm McDowell in the film The Raging Moon. He studied with the Young People's Theatre in Greenwich and earned a BA in Acting from Rose Bruford College in 1979.
Theatre and early roles
After leaving drama school, Gary Oldman began working in regional theatre, appearing in plays at York Theatre Royal, Colchester, and the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. He gained critical acclaim for his performance in Edward Bond's play Saved at the Royal Court Theatre. This breakthrough led to a run of work with the Royal Court and membership in the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He made his film debut in Remembrance and later starred in Mike Leigh's film Meantime. His reputation for intensity grew through his stage work, establishing him as a prominent young British actor of his generation.
Rise to fame and film career
Gary Oldman became well known in British cinema by portraying Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy, Joe Orton in Prick Up Your Ears, and Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. These roles paved the way for international recognition in Hollywood films such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, JFK, and True Romance.
Throughout his career, he has played major franchise roles, including Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series and James Gordon in The Dark Knight trilogy. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the historical drama Darkest Hour.
Directing and television work
In addition to his acting career, Gary Oldman wrote and directed the film Nil by Mouth, which drew on his background in south London. He also starred in the BBC television film The Firm.
He received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his guest role on the sitcom Friends and his starring role as Jackson Lamb in the Apple TV plus thriller series Slow Horses. He has also appeared in music videos for well-known artists such as David Bowie and Guns N' Roses.
Birthday and age
Gary Oldman was born on March 21, 1958, which makes Gary 68 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Gary shares the date with 30 other famous people.
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