Peter O'Toole has died

Lawrence Of Arabia star was 81.

by Jennie Kermode

Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence
Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence

The celebrated actor Peter O'Toole, best known for his starring role in Lawrence Of Arabia, has died at the age of 81, his agent confirmed today. He had been ill for some time.

O'Toole was highly respected for his work on both stage ans screen, with his film work also including Goodbye Mr Chips, The Lion In Winter and My Favourite Year. Over the course of his career he received a BAFTA and four Golden Globes, and in 2003 he was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Oscars. He was offered a knighthood but chose to turn it down.

Though he struggled with illness throughout his life, suffering from stomach cancer and alcohol-related problems, O'Toole kept working until the very end. His last major film role was as the king in Stardust.

Besides his professional work, O'Toole was a big fan of rugby and cricket, and taught the latter to children. He is survived by his son Lorcan O'Toole, also an actor, and by his daughters Pat and Kate.

Share this with others on...

Movies out this week include:

Is This Thing On? Nouvelle Vague Primate Rabbit Trap
News

Home truths Marijana Janković on Balkan representation, and the immigrant question of belonging

The division belle Suzannah Herbert on facing the US' troubled history and making Natchez

Spin-off alchemy Claude Schmitz on bringing back cop pairing for Conrad & Crab – Idiotic Gems

Past crime Christoffer Boe on creating a world for his period mystery Special Unit - The First Murder

It Was Just An Accident screenwriter arrested in Iran Jafar Panahi speaks out

Sundance announces winners Josephine, Nuisance Bear, Shame And Money and To Hold A Mountain take top prizes

More news and features

Interact

As we move into 2026, don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.

With awards season in full flow, you can keep track of the latest news on that here:

César nominations Nouvelle Vague leads the race for France's biggest awards

BAFTA nominations One Battle After Another and Sinners almost neck and neck

Critics' Circle Awards One Battle After Another wins fight

Oscars Sinners dominates the nominations