Tom Wilkinson was known to most as an actor in The Full Monty, for which he won a BAFTA, and In the Bedroom and Michael Clayton, for which he garnered Academy Award nominations. But for me, he was a friend.

A school chum and colleague of my dad, Paul, Tom was an immensely talented performer. But I’ll remember him most for inviting my parents and me to dinner at his house in London many years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing many celebrities over the years, but Tom is the only major talent I knew personally. I’ll miss him.

Tom died on Saturday at the age of 75. Condolences to his wife, Diana Hardcastle, and their daughters, Alice and Molly.