Peter O’Toole, (born Aug. 2, 1932, Leeds, Eng.—died Dec. 14, 2013, London), British actor. Born to an Irish father and a Scottish mother in England, O’Toole identified as Irish throughout his life and carried British and Irish passports. He grew up in Leeds and studied drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He made his London debut in 1956 and played Hamlet in the National Theatre’s inaugural production in 1963. His film debut came in Kidnapped (1960), and he won international acclaim for Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Noted for his wit and intensity, he often played uncertain heroes or eccentrics, starring in films such as Becket (1964), The Lion in Winter (1968), The Ruling Class (1972), The Stunt Man (1980), My Favorite Year (1982), The Last Emperor (1987), and Phantoms (1998). His acting range extended from classical drama to contemporary farce. He received an Emmy Award for his performance as Bishop Cauchon in the television miniseries Joan of Arc (1999). He was nominated for an Academy Award eight times, including for his role in Venus (2006); in 2003 he was awarded an honorary Oscar.
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