“Lawrence of Arabia” Peter O'toole Dead at 81

A few hours ago British press spread the news of the death of English actor Peter O'toole at 81 years.

Steve Kenis, O'tooles' agent, has announced his death at a London hospital after suffering from a longtime illness.

O’Toole announced his retirement from the stage and silver screen last year.“I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell,” he said in his announcement.

O'toole left behind a large body of major works in British cinema history, including David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia (1961), which received seven Oscar nominations, and films like The Lion in Winter and The Last Emperor, and the Hollywood production Troy.

Although O'toole received eight Oscar nominations throughout his career, the last being in 2007 for his role in Venus, he hasn't won a single one. He accepted an honorary Oscar in 2003.

The last appearance for the British cinema icon was in a small role in For Greater Glory in 2012, before deciding to retire after it and passing away in less than a year.

O'toole was known to have a long-standing friendship with Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, since they both starred in Lawrence of Arabia 51 years ago.