Gary Oldman Names His Top On-Screen Mate

Gary Oldman’s career has spanned decades, with the British actor popping up in everything from gritty indie flicks to blockbuster franchises. While many would know him as Sirius Black or Commissioner Gordon, Oldman’s filmography is packed with a wild variety of roles, and he’s worked alongside a who’s who of Hollywood. Despite this, he’s got a surprising pick for his favourite co-star.

Oldman’s reputation among his peers is built on his reliability and willingness to take on all sorts of projects. Unlike some big names who are picky about scripts, he’s racked up an impressive list of credits, working with actors from all walks of life. He’s known for being easy to get along with on set, but even so, there’s one actor he’s especially fond of sharing the screen with.

Oldman’s Unexpected Favourite

When asked about his top co-star, Oldman didn’t hesitate to name Kevin Bacon. He described Bacon as “fun” and praised him for always being prepared:

“he knew his lines”

. Bacon’s own career is just as jam-packed, and he’s so well-connected in the industry that the game “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” was invented to link him to just about anyone in Hollywood. Despite both actors starting out in the early ‘80s and still going strong, they’ve only teamed up twice—both times in legal thrillers.

Their first collaboration, Criminal Law, might not have wowed the critics, but it came at a turning point for both. Bacon, already a heartthrob thanks to Footloose, was keen to show he could handle more serious roles. In Criminal Law, he played the black sheep of a wealthy family facing a murder charge, while Oldman, still new to American films, took on the part of a hard-drinking defence lawyer. The film might have been seen as a bit of a trashy courtroom drama, but it set the stage for their next project together.

Reuniting for a Grittier Drama

Oldman and Bacon crossed paths again in Murder in the First, a film loosely inspired by real events. This time, Bacon played a more sympathetic accused, while Oldman stepped into the shoes of a ruthless Alcatraz warden. Christian Slater played Bacon’s lawyer, but Oldman’s performance as the villain left a mark. The film didn’t break box office records, but Bacon’s work earned him a nod for Best Supporting Actor at the SAG Awards.

It’s a bit of a head-scratcher that Bacon’s never been up for an Oscar, considering the number of acclaimed films he’s been in. Oldman himself had to wait years for his first nomination and eventual win, so maybe Bacon’s turn is still to come.

Two Careers, Countless Roles

Both actors have built careers that are the envy of many in the industry. Oldman’s willingness to take on all sorts of roles has made him a familiar face to generations of filmgoers, while Bacon’s versatility and work ethic have kept him in the spotlight for just as long. Their shared scenes in those two legal dramas might not be the most famous in their careers, but for Oldman, working with Bacon was a highlight. As he put it, there’s “nothing wrong with that”.