Peter O’Toole, the charismatic actor who achieved instant stardom as Lawrence of Arabia and was nominated eight times for an Academy Award, has died. He was 81.
O’Toole’s agent Steve Kenis says the actor died Saturday (Sunday NZT) at a hospital following a long illness.
O’Toole began his acting career as one of the most exciting young talents on the British stage. His 1955 Hamlet, at the Bristol Old Vic, was critically acclaimed.
He got his first Oscar nomination for 1962’s Lawrence of Arabia, his last for Venus in 2006. With that he set the record for most nominations without ever winning, though he had accepted an honorary Oscar in 2003.
He also starred in classic films The Lion in the Winter, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Caligula, Man of La Mancha, My Favorite Year and The Last Emperor.
In 2008 he starred opposite New Zealand actor Sam Neill in Dean Spanley, directed by New Zealander Fraser Toa.
He announced his retirement aged 79.
A reformed – but unrepentant – hell-raiser, O’Toole long suffered from ill health.
Kenis announced the death in an email overnight.
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– AP
