Oscar-Nominated Actor Peter O’Toole Dead at 81

The star was best known for his role in Lawrence of Arabia

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Peter O'Toole Hand and Footprint Ceremony
Gregg DeGuire / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Peter O'Toole poses as his hand and footprints are enshrined in concrete at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre on April 30, 2011 in Hollywood, California.

Correction appended: Dec. 15, 2013, 11:00 p.m. E.T.

Critically acclaimed actor Peter O’Toole, known for his role in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia, has died, his agent confirmed to British press on Sunday. He was 81.

The eight-time Oscar nominee passed away on Saturday at a London hospital after suffering from a longtime illness, according to his agent Steve Kenis, the Guardian reports.

O’Toole announced his departure from the stage and silver screen last year.

“I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell,” he said in his announcement.

The Irish-born actor was heralded as one of Hollywood’s old guard of actors, and received an honorary Oscar in 2003 for his contribution to film. The venerable actor found fame in David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia and went on to star in films including Goodbye, Mr. Chips, The Ruling Class, The Stunt Man and My Favourite Year. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Pat and Kate O’Toole, and his son Lorcan O’Toole.

[Guardian]

An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the director behind Lawrence of Arabia. He is David Lean, not Glean.