Gary Oldman is perhaps best known to the younger generation for his role in 2008's The Dark Knight. He played the character of Gordon, who is head of the Chicago police force that's in charge of taking down the Joker.

He most recently voiced the character of Shen for the animated children's film Kung Fu Panda 2.

Throughout his career he has gravitated towards the overlapping genres of action, drama and science fiction. Prior to the Batman film series, Oldman was known for his parts in The Fifth Element (1997) and Leon the Professional (1994).

In 2000 he starred opposite Jeff Bridges in The Contender, playing the part of zealous Republican congressman Sheldon Runyon.

Gary Oldman has also appeared in the Harry Potter film series. He reprises his role as Sirius Black for the latest and final installment "The Deathly Hallows 2", which came out in July of 2011.