Earlier today, it was announced that British actor Albert Finney has died.

Albert Finney was a five-time Oscar nominee. After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, he began his career at the Royal Shakespeare Company before moving to film.

Finney was probably best-known for playing lawyer Ed Masry opposite Julia Roberts in 'Erin Brokovich'. He also played Hercule Poirot in the 1974 film 'Murder on the Orient Express'.

The actor's breakthrough movie was 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' in the year 1960. He earned his first Oscar nomination four years later for the film 'Tom Jones'.

Other notable roles he played include the titular role in the 1970 version of 'Scrooge', Winston Churchill in 'The Gathering Storm', Ed Bloom (senior) in 'Big Fish', and Daddy Warbucks in the 1982 musical movie 'Annie'. In more recent years, he starred in 'The Bourne Ultimatum', 'The Bourne Legacy' and 'Skyfall'.

A statement from a family spokesman said:

"Albert Finney, aged 82, passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side.

"The family request privacy at this sad time."

According to reports, Finney died of a chest infection at the Royal Marsden hospital, which specialises in cancer treatment, just outside London. His wife, Pene, and son, Simon, were by his side.

Finney was the recipient of two BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globes and a British Academy Fellowship.

He also had a successful stage career, earning Tony nominations on Broadway for 'Luther' and 'A Day in the Death of Joe Egg'. He won an Olivier Award for 'Orphans'.