In the constellation of cinematic legends, Gary Oldman is the sun around which all other character actors orbit. Known as the industry’s ultimate “chameleon,” Oldman has spent four decades disappearing into roles so completely that audiences often forget who they are watching until the credits roll.
As of February 2026, Oldman is experiencing a monumental career peak, balancing his Emmy-nominated lead role in the global spy hit Slow Horses with a highly anticipated return to the London stage.
Gary Oldman Biography
Born Gary Leonard Oldman on March 21, 1958, in New Cross, London, Gary’s beginnings were far from the glamour of Hollywood. Raised in a working-class household by his mother, Kathleen, after his father left when he was seven, Oldman found his escape in music and later, theater.
After being told by a teacher that he shouldn’t be an actor, he proved them wrong by earning a scholarship to the Rose Bruford College, graduating with a BA in Theatre Arts in 1979. His early stage work was so intense that he quickly caught the eye of film directors, leading to his explosive debut as Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy (1986).
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Career
Oldman’s career is a masterclass in versatility, often categorized by three distinct eras:
- The “Villain” Years (1990s): He became the go-to antagonist in Hollywood blockbusters, from the flamboyant Zorg in The Fifth Element to the terrifying Stansfield in Léon: The Professional.
- The “Mentor” Years (2000s): He found a new generation of fans as the compassionate Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series and the steadfast James Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.
- The “Prestige” Era (2010s–Present): After decades of being “overlooked,” he finally secured an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2018 for his transformation into Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
- 2026 Update: He is currently starring in Season 6 of Slow Horses on Apple TV+, a performance critics are calling the “crown jewel” of his career.
Gary Oldman Movies
- Sid and Nancy (1986): The role that launched a thousand punk rock dreams.
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992): A haunting, romantic take on the classic monster.
- The Fifth Element (1997): Delivering one of the most eccentric villains in sci-fi history.
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011): His first Oscar-nominated role as George Smiley.
- Darkest Hour (2017): The film that earned him his Best Actor Oscar.
- Oppenheimer (2023): A chilling cameo as Harry S. Truman.
- Parthenope (2025/2026): His latest cinematic outing directed by Paolo Sorrentino.
Gary Oldman Net Worth
As of early 2026, Gary Oldman’s net worth is estimated at $40 million. While he spent much of his early career in indie films, his involvement in massive franchises like Harry Potter and Batman, combined with his lucrative lead role in Slow Horses, has solidified his financial legacy.
Family
The “Oldman Clan” is a creative powerhouse. He is the brother of EastEnders legend Laila Morse. A father of three sons, Alfie (from his first marriage), Gulliver, and Charlie. Gary is also a proud grandfather to Matilda, Ozzy, and Ottilie. In 2025, Gary was officially knighted by King Charles, making him Sir Gary Oldman, a title he shared with his family in a private ceremony.
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The High-Profile Relationships
Gary Oldman and Uma Thurman
In 1990, Gary married a young Uma Thurman after they met on the set of State of Grace. The pairing was a tabloid sensation, the “bad boy” of British acting and the rising American starlet. However, the marriage was famously brief, lasting only two years before they divorced in 1992. Uma later described the marriage as a “mistake” fueled by youthful intensity.
Gary Oldman and Isabella Rossellini
Following his split from Thurman, Oldman entered a highly publicized engagement with Italian icon Isabella Rossellini while filming Immortal Beloved (1994). Though they were one of the most photographed couples of the mid-90s, they never made it to the altar, separating in 1996.
Gary Oldman and Gisele Schmidt
Now, Gary has finally found his “calm in the storm” with his fifth wife, writer and art curator Gisele Schmidt. Married since 2017, the couple lives in Palm Springs, California. Gary famously proposed to Gisele while dressed in full Winston Churchill makeup on the set of Darkest Hour. Gisele serves as his collaborator, often photographing him for his various projects.
Controversies
Even a knight has his battles. Oldman has faced scrutiny over the years:
- The “Mediocre” Comment: In 2024/2025, Gary sparked a “Potterhead” frenzy when he called his performance as Sirius Black “mediocre.” In May 2026, during the Parthenope press tour, he clarified that he meant he wished he had known the full character arc before filming, rather than criticizing the films themselves.
- Historical Allegations: Oldman has been vocal about his past struggles with alcoholism (he has been sober for over 25 years) and has worked hard to repair his reputation following a turbulent divorce from Donya Fiorentino in 2001.
Gary Oldman Age
As of today, February 12, 2026, Gary Oldman is 67 years old. He will celebrate his 68th birthday on March 21, 2026.
Gary Oldman Now
Now, Gary is embracing the stage once again. From May 8 to 30, 2026, he is directing and starring in Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape at the Royal Court Theatre in London. It is a full-circle moment for the actor, returning to the stage where he first gained acclaim. Between his theater run and filming for Slow Horses Season 7, Sir Gary is showing no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
Gary Oldman is a testament to the power of transformation. Whether he is a demoted spy in London or a legendary statesman, he remains the most watchable man in any room.
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