Actor Albert Finney dies

Albert Finney, one of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation, has died after a short illness. He was 82. Finney shot to international fame in 1963 in the title role of

and largely managed to avoid the Hollywood limelight. He was known for skipping awards ceremonies, even when he was nominated for an Oscar.

gained him the first of five Academy Award nominations, and in later years he brought authority to action movies.