Goodbye, Mr Chips!

It’s a sad day in Hollywood as fans from across the globe bid farewell to legendary actor Peter O’Toole.

“I will not be a common man. I will stir the smooth sands of monotony,” said Peter O’Toole, and his glorious life is testament to the fact that he was anything but ordinary.

We see truth in T S Eliot’s words that human beings don’t actually fear death, they fear that no one will notice their absence, that they will disappear without a trace. Given the shock and grief expressed by a multitude of stars over O’Toole’s passing, it looks like he fulfilled his promise.

O’Toole, who received international acclaim for his role as T E Lawrence in the classic film Lawrence of Arabia, died peacefully at the age of 81 on December 14, 2013 in London after a prolonged ailment, reports Reuters. The actor survived a bout of stomach cancer in the 1970s, but his health had been seriously compromised due to drinking and chain-smoking.



The legendary actor’s charming good looks and natural flair for acting buoyed him up for a film career spanning over half a century, during which he encountered a series of highs and lows. He is credited with having been an Oscar nominee eight times, but not winning even once. Being the most nominated actor to have never won the award, he hesitantly accepted an honorary Oscar in 2003, Reuters reports. In an open letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he expressed his reluctance to accept the award. He wrote: “I was enchanted (the word ‘enchanted’ is pure O’Toole, according to Telegraph) but said that as I was still in the game and might yet win the lovely bugger outright, would the Academy please defer the honour until I am 80?”

To the dismay of his fans, O’Toole announced his retirement from films and stage last year, stating that he no longer had the heart for it and that it’s time to “chuck in the sponge,” reported Cbc News. “It’s my belief that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one’s stay,” he said.

Despite not receiving formal appreciation for his invaluable contribution to film, television and stage, O’Toole was well-loved in the entertainment industry. Actor Neil Patrick Harris tweeted: “So sad to hear about Peter O’Toole passing away. Lucky to have worked with him for a month in Prague. Wonderful man, remarkable talent.” Comedian-actor Ellen DeGeneres also tweeted: “Hollywood lost an icon... Peter O’Toole was one of the best. I'm so glad I got to meet him,” reports gossipcop.com. British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a tweet that Lawrence of Arabia was his favourite film, and dubbed O’Toole’s performance in it as “stunning,” according to Reuters.

The actor leaves behind three children - Kate and Patricia from his unsuccessful marriage with actor Sian Phillips, and a son named Lorcan from a relationship with former girlfriend Karen Brown.

He may have been a mere mortal, but his legacy will prevail for centuries to come. Requiescat in pace, O’Toole!

To pay homage to the legendary actor, have a Peter O’Toole movie marathon with his eight Oscar nominated films (listed first) and two of our other favourites (lists compiled from digitalspy.co.uk and entertainment.time.com):

1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962):



This classic was O’Toole’s claim to fame. In this British adventure drama, he depicted the role of British army officer TE Lawrence and his chronicles of World War 1. O’Toole was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for this role.

2. Becket (1964):

In the film adaptation of the play Becket or The Honour of God, O’Toole played Henry II, King of England. He comes to realise his affection for a close friend and confidante, who finds “true honour by observing God’s divine will rather than the king’s,” as IMDb states.

3. The Lion in Winter (1968):

An adaptation of James Goldman’s Broadway play, O’Toole portrayed the character of Henry II, King of England (again) in the film. He earned Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for the part.

4. Goodbye, Mr Chips (1969):



The second adaptation of this 1934 novella depicted O’Toole as an English schoolteacher named Arthur Chipping. Chipping is shown to fall in love with a pretentious showgirl with a colourful past.

5. The Ruling Class (1972):



Although a commercial failure, this British comedy has become a cult classic. O’Toole played the role of a schizophrenic British nobleman. In what is one of the film’s scariest moments, O’Toole screams skilfully.

6. The Stunt Man (1980):

O’Toole plays an eccentric film director in the flick, who agees to giving asylum to a fugitive as long as he replaces a movie stunt man. The fugitive takes the job and falls for the film’s leading lady.

7. My Favourite Year (1982):

In Richard Benjamin’s comedy film, O’Toole appeared as Alan Swann, whom IMDb refers to as a “dissolute matinee idol.” O’Toole received another Academy Award nomination for the role.

8. Venus (2006):

Director Roger Michell’s drama showcased O’Toole as an actor who is drawn towards his friend’s great-niece, whom he dubs ‘Venus’. This was the eighth and final time that O’Toole was nominated for an Academy Award.

9. How to Steal a Million (1966):

A rom-com about a woman who must steal a Venus statue from a Paris museum to help conceal her father's art forgeries, and the man who helps her. Starring the divine Audrey Hepburn and a dashing O’Toole at his handsome best, this one will be a guaranteed pick-me-up.

10. Ratatouille (2007):

Brad Bird’s Pixar offering paved the way for O’Toole to connect with a whole new generation of film watchers. He was the voice behind restaurant critic Anton Ego and captured the essence of the character brilliantly.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2013.

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