Peter O'Toole Dead: 'Lawrence of Arabia' Dies At 81

Peter O'Toole, the legendary British actor and star of "Lawrence of Arabia" has died aged 81. O'Toole was nominated for an incredible 8 Oscars, most recently for "Venus" in 2006. The actor had been fighting illness for some time, his agent confirmed. Hid daughter, Kate O'Toole said the family was overwhelmed "by the outpouring of real love and affection being expressed towards him, and to us, during this unhappy time. ... In due course there will be a memorial filled with song and good cheer, as he would have wished."

Peter O'Toole will be remembered for his many performances on stage and the legacy he leaves behind on film. O'Toole first burst onto the London theatre scein in 1955 when his portrayal of "Hamlet" won him incredible praise from critics. Film roles soon followed, and in 1962 he took on what would be the role that defined his career: T.E. Lawrence in "Lawerence of Arabia." His career continued to soar in the 60s and 70s with flms like "Becket," "The Lion in Winter," "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" and "The Ruling Class." All of these earned him Oscar nominations.

Peter O'Toole was known for his carsimatic, theatrical and at times eccentric acting style. He was one of the most beloved British thespians of stage and screen.