Famed Actor Peter O'Toole Dead At 81

Peter O'Toole, who rose to fame in David Lean's critically acclaimed film Lawrence of Arabia, has died at age 81, his agent told The Guardian on Sunday.

The actor, who was born in County Galway, Ireland, died at Wellington Hospital in London after suffering through a long illness. He had previously overcome stomach cancer in the 1970s.

O'Toole received an honorary Academy Award in 2003, and was also nominated for his performances in Lawrence of Arabia, Becket, The Lion in Winter, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, The Ruling Class, The Stunt Man, My Favorite Year, and most recently, the 2006 film Venus.

After a long career, O'Toole announced last year he would stop acting. "I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell," he said.

In a statement released by NBC, his family said that they were "very appreciative and completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of real love and affection being expressed towards him."

He is survived by two daughters, Pat and Kate O'Toole, from his marriage to actress Siân Phillips, and his son, Lorcan O'Toole, from his marriage to Karen Brown.