Tom Wilkinson, the Oscar-nominated British actor known for his roles in The Full Monty, Michael Clayton and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, has died, his family said. He was 75.

A statement shared by his agent on behalf of the family said Wilkinson died suddenly at home on Saturday.

The statement read: “It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him. The family asks for privacy at this time.”

He is survived by his actress wife Diana Hardcastle, 74, and their two daughters, Alice and Mollie.

Wilkinson was nominated for a best actor Academy Award for his work in 2001′s family drama In The Bedroom in 2001 and in the best supporting actor category for his role in Michael Clayton, a 2007 film that starred George Clooney.Tom Wilkinson at the Toronto International Film Festival at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Photo / AP

He is remembered by many in Britain and beyond for playing former steel mill foreman Gerald Cooper in the 1997 comedy The Full Monty, about a group of unemployed steel workers who formed an unlikely male stripping act.

Wilkinson appeared in dozens of other movies, including Batman Begins, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Valkyrie.

The actor was recognised for his services to drama in 2005 when he was appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire.

Tributes have begun to flow for the actor on social media with actor George Clooney, who starred with Wilkinson in 2007 film Michael Clayton, praising the actor to Variety, who he referred to as “the epitome of elegance.

”Tom made every project better. Made every actor better,” Clooney shared. “He was the epitome of elegance and he will be dearly missed by all of us.”

Aneurin Barnard, who starred opposite Wilkinson in Dead In A Week (Or Your Money Back), shared his sadness in hearing of Wilkinson’s passing.

On X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: “I had a very great time getting to know him and working with him. One of our wonderful legends that we say goodbye to. Bye for now Tom x.”

Singer Will Young, also paid tribute, calling Wilkinson “British acting royalty” sharing a story on Instagram about how the actor helped him prepare for an audition.

“Goodbye friend. Funny, bloody smart, helped me with auditions along with (Diana Hardcastle) and what a terrific actor. British acting royalty I salute you dear Tom xxx.”

And Actor Michael Warburton also shared his sadness at the news that “one of our finest” had died.

“My first sight of Tom Wilkinson was in 1993 when he played the title role in King Lear at the Royal Court. He was of course magnificent.

“I also worked on Stage Door there & he’d often sit down & chat with me & then went on to help me raise funds to go to Drama School. RIP Tom.”

Additional reporting by NZ Herald