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.

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