LAWRENCE of Arabia movie legend Peter O’Toole has died at the age of 81.
O’Toole — who was nominated for a record eight Oscars without winning one —
had been ill for some time.
His actress daughter Kate O’Toole said: “We are very appreciative and
completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of real love and affection towards
him.”
O’Toole was best known for his performance as TE Lawrence in the 1962 epic.
But at times he was as famous for his wild living and prolific drinking as for
his acting success.
He once said of acting: “I blundered into it, found I could do it well. It
raised me from nothing into something. If you do something well and enjoy
it, what more can you bloody well ask?”
His Oscar nominations were for Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Becket (1964), The
Lion in Winter (1968), Goodbye, Mr Chips (1969), The Ruling Class (1972),
The Stunt Man (1980), My Favourite Year (1982) and Venus (2006).
He received an honorary Oscar in 2003.
Last night Prime Minister David Cameron led tributes, calling O’Toole’s
performance in Lawrence of Arabia “stunning”.
Comedian Stephen Fry said: “Farewell Peter O’Toole — monster, scholar, lover
of life, genius.”