Biographie

Characters are usually borderline psychotics. Also known for playing a wide variety of roles that often requires a variety of different accents.

His ability to change his appearance and voice to make every character unique.

Often plays reluctant heroes who assist the main character.

Often plays real-life individuals or iconic fictional characters.

Ability to mimic different voices and accents with perfection.

Has used a different speaking voice (i.e., accent) in practically every movie in which he has ever been.

Was famously told by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) to find a new career other than acting before training at Rose Bruford.

Played Lee Harvey Oswald in both JFK (1991) and Who Was Lee Harvey Oswald? (1993).

Before his nod for La taupe (2011), he was considered one of the greatest actors never nominated for an Oscar.

As of July 2014, films starring Oldman have grossed over $3.8 billion at the United States box office, and over $9.9 billion worldwide. In 2012, The Hollywood Reporter named Oldman the highest-grossing actor in history, based on lead and supporting roles.

I don't think Hollywood knows what to do with me. I would imagine that when it comes to romantic comedies, my name would be pretty low down on the list.

We're given a code to live our lives by. We don't always follow it but it's still there.

[on portraying famous people]: It's a double-edged sword because, in one sense, you have a lot of material to work with, but in a strange kind of way, that puts up a framework that you have to keep within. You can't play Beethoven with pink hair but, to an extent, because no-one has ever met him, who's going to tell me that's not Beethoven?

With Beethoven [Ludwig van B. (1994)] I said I wanted a role where I didn't have to do anything stupid with my hair. My agent said "Read it again!".

[on making Harry Potter et le Prisonnier d'Azkaban (2004)]: I've done so much R-rated work, it's nice to have a job you can show your kids.