One of the truly great actors of my, or anyone else’s, lifetime has announced his retirement from stage and screen. Peter O’Toole, probably best known for his portrayal of T.E Lawrence in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and to the younger generation his role as King in STARDUST, is an undisputed legend whose screen presence and performances over 60-plus years have wowed audiences and been such an inspiration to hundreds, if not thousands, of actors. However, it is not just O’Toole’s screen work that has given him such stature – his stage work is the stuff of legend and although I was never fortunate enough to see him perform I am proud, as a Bristolian, to note his first work was completed in the Bristol Old Vic way back in the 1950s. At 79 years old O’Toole has released the following statement and from everyone at THN I’d like to say thanks for the memories, Peter:
Dear All, It is time for me to chuck in the sponge. To retire from films and stage. The heart for it has gone out of me: it won’t come back. My professional acting life, stage and screen, has brought me public support, emotional fulfillment and material comfort. It has brought me together with fine people, good companions with whom I’ve shared the inevitable lot of all actors: flops and hits. However, it’s my belief that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one’s stay. So I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell. Ever Peter O’Toole.
Source: Playbill
