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Peter O'Toole, the legendary actor best known for his star-making role in "Lawrence of Arabia," died Saturday at a hospital following a long illness, the Associated Press reports. He was 81.
O'Toole was nominated for eight Academy Awards—his first for "Lawrence of Arabia" and his last for "Venus" in 2006—and is currently the record holder for most Oscar nominations without a win, although he has won many Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Emmys in his storied career. He received an honorary Oscar in 2003.
His agent Steve Kenis announced the death with this statement:
"In due course there will be a memorial filled with song and good cheer, as he would have wished," Kenis wrote. "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."
The Irish-born O'Toole got his start in theater, charming audiences in London before his iconic role as T.E. Lawrence. In all, he appeared in nearly 100 films and television shows, and left an indelible mark on the film industry.
O'Toole retired from acting in 2012 with a heartwarming note proclaiming that, "It’s my belief that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one’s stay. So I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell."
