With with great sadness we report the news of legendary British actor Peter O’Toole’s passing at the age of 81. Born in Ireland and brought up in Leeds, the stage and screen thespian’s almost 60 year career included masterpieces such as David Lean’s LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, Anatole Litvak’s THE NIGHT OF THE GENERALS and Bernardo Bertolucci’s THE LAST EMPEROR. He was nominated for eight Academy Awards (the most recent in 2007s VENUS) but unfortunately didn’t walk away with any. However, he was the recipient of an honorary Oscar in 2003.
Incredibly, O’Toole overcame stomach cancer in the late 1970’s despite being a well-known hard-drinking hell raiser alongside pals Richard Harris, Richard Burton and Oliver Reed. He died in Wellington hospital, London on Saturday after battling a long illness.
He recently came out of for a retirement to take a role in the upcoming period drama KATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA. Other standout performances and films included SUPERGIRL, CALIGULA, GOODBYE MR. CHIPS, MY FAVOURITE YEAR and THE STUNT MAN.
Peter O’Toole is survived by his two daughters, Pat and Kate and son Lorcan.
