Albert Finney in 2012's Skyfall (Image: EON • GETTY) His final movie role was James Bond smash hit Skyfall in 2012, in which he played Kincade. Directed by Sam Mendes, he went down a storm with fans. Interestingly, it was briefly considered that original 007 hero Sean Connery could play that part. Finney went on to more than make it his own. Related articles James Bond 2019: Casino Royale Secret Cinema and Skyfall in Concert Albert Finney dead: Annie and Scrooge star dies age 82 after illness “To me it becomes too… it would take you out of the movie [if Connery did the part]," Mendes told Huffington Post. "Connery is Bond and he’s not going to come back as another character. "It was a very brief flirtation with that thought, but it was never going to happen, because I thought it would distract”. Finney's performance as the character - who proved to be integral to the plot's climax - was a triumph. Finney is a true Hollywood great (Image: GETTY) Reports suggested the role was intended for Sean Connery initially, but the plan was dropped (Image: EON) "Albert Finney brings warmth and gravitas to a key role in the home stretch," Empire wrote in their review at the time. A family spokesperson today confirmed that the Hollywood great has died after a short illness, age 82. Details of his death have not yet been revealed - but in 2011 it was revealed that he had kidney cancer. Finney earned five Oscar nominations across his career; including Erin Brokovich alongside Julia Roberts in 2000. More to follow.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility