Albert Finney Dead: ‘Tom Jones’ Star Dies at 82 – Variety

Rebellious even in his later years, Finney reportedly declined a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1980 and a knighthood in 2000. “The Sir thing slightly perpetuates one of our diseases in England, which is snobbery,” he said.

Finney was married three times, the first time to British actress Jane Wenham, the second to French actress Anouk Aimee. Survivors include Finney’s third wife Pene Delmage, whom he married in 2006; son Simon Finney, a film technician from his marriage to Wenham; and son Declan from his relationship with Katherine Attson.

In a 1984 interview with the New York Times, Finney reflected on his role in “The Dresser.” He noted that performances, particularly those on stage, have an ephemeral quality, but he insisted that didn’t depress him.

“What a lot of people spend their lives doing may not add up to a hill of beans,” said Finney. “But their love, effort and devotion goes into doing it, and it becomes worthwhile.”