Actor Peter O'Toole, best known for playing the eponymous role in 1962's Lawrence of Arabia, died Sunday at Wellington Hospital in London following a long illness. He was 81.
O'Toole was nominated for eight Academy Awards in the best-actor category for films, including The Stunt Man, The Ruling Class and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. He never won, but did receive an honorary Oscar in 2003, after initially turning it down in 2002, according to multiple reports. At the time, O'Toole asked the Academy to defer the award until he was 80 because he "still in the game and might win the lovely bugger outright."
O'Toole started his acceptance speech by saying, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, my foot."
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The Irish-born actor retired from acting last year. "I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell," he said, according to the BBC.
However, it was announced last month that O'Toole had come out of retirement to play Cornelius Gallus, a palace orator, in Katherine of Alexandria, a film about ancient Rome. The movie is scheduled for release next year.
Both "Peter O'Toole" and "Lawrence of Arabia" were trending on Twitter following news of the actor's death. Many users took to the microblogging platform to mourn O'Toole's passing.
So sad to hear about Peter O’Toole passing away. Lucky to have worked with him for a month in Prague. Wonderful man, remarkable talent.
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) December 15, 2013
Another legend gone - RIP Peter O'Toole. We lost a lot of greats in 2013.
— Grist To The Mill (@Gristtheatre) December 15, 2013
"It's my job, it's what I do, it's what I'm on earth to do and it's who I am." Indeed. Rest in peace, Peter O'toole.
— Sarayu Rao (@SarayuRao) December 15, 2013
RIP Peter Seamus Lorcan O'Toole, no doubt now lifting a well-deserved celestial glass or three w Messrs Burton & Harris.
— Colman Andrews (@Colmanandrews) December 15, 2013
"I can't stand light. I hate weather. My idea of heaven is moving from one smoke-filled room to another." Safe travels, Peter O'Toole.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) December 15, 2013
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Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images