Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Peter O'Toole Retires From Acting

Has lost 'heart for it' at age 79

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2012 5:37 PM CDT

(Newser) – Just a few weeks shy of his 80th birthday, Peter O'Toole says he's done acting. "It's time for me to chuck in the sponge," he announced today. "To retire from stage and screen. The heart for it has gone out of me; it won't come back." The iconic actor played the lead in Lawrence of Arabia before gaining seven Oscar nominations for best actor in films such as Goodbye, Mr. Chips; My Favorite Year; and the Stunt Man. He didn't win any, but he received an honorary Oscar in 2003, the Los Angeles Times notes.

Peter O'Toole is shown in the title role in the film Lawrence of Arabia in 1961.
Peter O'Toole is shown in the title role in the film "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1961.   (AP Photo/Columbia Pictures, file)
This 1968 image shows Katharine Hepburn, right, as Queen Eleanor, with co-star Peter O'Toole as King Henry II of England in the film The Lion In Winter.
This 1968 image shows Katharine Hepburn, right, as Queen Eleanor, with co-star Peter O'Toole as King Henry II of England in the film "The Lion In Winter."   (AP Photo/Avco Embassy Pictures, File)
This file photo released by Miramax shows Peter O'Toole, left, and Jodie Whittaker in a scene from Venus.
This file photo released by Miramax shows Peter O'Toole, left, and Jodie Whittaker in a scene from "Venus."   (AP Photo/Miramax, Nicola Dove)
This 1965 file photo released by 20th Century Fox shows actor Peter O'Toole in a scene from How to Steal a Million Dollars and Live Happily Ever After.
This 1965 file photo released by 20th Century Fox shows actor Peter O'Toole in a scene from "How to Steal a Million Dollars and Live Happily Ever After."   (AP Photo/Twentieth Century-Fox)
Peter O'Toole in 2008.
Peter O'Toole in 2008.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
5%
6%
69%
16%
1%
2%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
adventuregirl
Jul 13, 2012 6:57 AM CDT
AND??????????????????
shesfireandice
Jul 12, 2012 11:48 AM CDT
Great actor. I'm happy for him - especially since I'd assumed he'd died years ago.
brucke
Jul 11, 2012 10:53 AM CDT
The actor's actor. I am very sad to hear this.

 
retirement • actor • acting • Peter O'Toole

 
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne