Stage and screen actor Peter O’Toole has died at the age of 81. He passed away at a London Hospital on December 14, after a long illness.

O’Toole made his TV debut in 1954, but landed his big break in 1962, as T.E. Lawrence in movie epic Lawrence of Arabia. This movie earned him the first of eight Academy Award nominations throughout his career.

The Irish actor received an honorary Academy Award in 2003 for his body of work.

Peter is survived by daughters Kate and Patricia and a son, Lorcan.

In a statement, Kate said: ”His family are very appreciative and completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of real love and affection being expressed towards him, and to us, during this unhappy time. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts. In due course there will be a memorial filled with song and good cheer, as he would have wished. We will be happy to speak to you all then but in the meantime if you could give Peter O’Toole the respect he deserves and allow us to grieve privately we’d appreciate it. Thank you all again for your beautiful tributes – keep them coming.”

Be Sociable, Share!

•