Veteran actor Peter O’Toole, praised for esteemed roles in classic films such as Lawrence of Arabia, has announced he is retiring from acting in films and stage.
“It is time for me to chuck in the sponge,” O’Toole (79), who lives in London, said in a statement yesterday. “To retire from films and stage. The heart for it has gone out of me: it won’t come back.”
O’Toole said his career, which has included eight Academy Award nominations without a win, “has brought me public support, emotional fulfilment and material comfort. It has brought me together with fine people, good companions with whom I’ve shared the inevitable lot of all actors – flops and hits”.
“However,” he added, “it is my belief that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one’s stay.”
Early in his career, O’Toole made waves on stage in several key Shakespearean roles, including an acclaimed turn as Hamlet, before gaining fame in films such as Goodbye, Mr Chips, The Ruling Class, The Stunt Man and My Favorite Year. His last Oscar nomination was for Best Actor in the 2006 film Venus. He won an honorary Oscar in 2003 for his numerous memorable roles. – (Reuters)