Peter O'Toole retires, says his 'heart' for acting is gone

L A Times ^ | July 10, 2012 | Susan King

[floralamiss]

Some of his anecdotes strain credulity, but I guess if any of us had accompanied Peter O’Toole on one of his wild, drunken escapades in the past, it might have seemed like “My Favorite Year” had come to life. Not knowing is probably the best. :-)

[Gatún(CraigIsaMangoTreeLawyer)]

I respect what you say, but he is a bad alcoholic.

We all have bad days, but I keep my temper at home always remembering to say please and thank you unless the other person is nasty. At that point I do unload whether I am having a good or a bad day.

[RogerWilko]

Some people don’t like to be disturbed while they’re at work. Do you like being asked for an autograph while serving customers their french fries at Mickey D’s?

I would if I worked at Mickey D's, but I don't, so I can't!

He wasn't working when he walked by, he was headed back to his trailer. Even if he was busy, he could've at least said hi to the ladies that were all GAGA over him! That is TIGHT!

Let me add this... He had some pretty lousy looking teeth for an actor too! Musta been all them cigarettes he smoked.

[RogerWilko]

One person’s impression of an encounter with someone out of one day of their life makes them a “gawd-awful person”.

I don't know if he's a "gawd-awful" person or not, but I was actually watching them film for about a week, and he seemed to exude the same attitude the whole time whenever he walked amongst the peasants.

[mylife]

Although the film Murphy's War wasn't that great, Peter O'Toole put in a fantastically memorable performance in it..

First Flight

[wardaddy]

U obviously dont visit IMDB discussion forums or you would realize how inapplicable “dont have to inject politics into everything” was

On IMDB they are under no such illusions

[Lizavetta]

Oldness is fine. We'll all get there and so what.

But he looks like he's been pulled, nipped and tucked to the point of freakishness. Like Priscilla Presley, Burt Reynolds, Gary Busey, Bruce Jenner and a shitload of other celebrities.

That's what I meant regarding his current photos.

[Moltke]

True, I don’t go there for the comments or discussions, political or otherwise. *I* don’t have to inject politics into everything.

[exit82]

Glad to hear you are well,M, even if all mango’d out!

Shame about the GS cookies, though.They are evidently missing a huge international market.

Keep praying for the old sod, would you? Our nation is at a crossroads, and I hope enough sane people vote to oust Zippy and his corrupt Communist crew.

Otherwise, keep the lights on—a lot of ex-pats may be heading your way!!!!

[beaversmom]

FYI--all:

Found this at the Peter O'Toole fan page on Facebook. I kinda figured his health might be an issue.

Peter O'Toole Facebook Page

This photo, proves to be the last shot of O'Toole at work. - He had to quit this film, a recent film project, because of ill health, a shame for him and a loss to us all. As the administrator of Peter's page, and in response to those who take his retirement with shock. I hope one understands that Peter has made a very brave move in closing the curtain on his working life, while still on top - Peter is not in good health, and needs all our prayers and good wishes now. - He is only walking away from acting because he cannot bring his best of himself to it anymore. A working life of quality that we all have appreacted so much. He has pride in his work and demands the very best of himself. It's taken me a couple days to digest how I feel about this. One of my few actor Hero's given up, walking away from the craft. At 79, about to turn 80 years old next month, he retires. I accept it. O'Toole should have died decades ago. And currently he is not in good health & thus that is his battle now. - Walking is a issue for him, uncontrollable drooling from the side of his mouth is a embarrassing reality. He suffers tremors and uncontrollable shaking of his hands, he has to wear gloves now, 24/7 to combat a rare super nerve sensitivity/pain to sensation he has. His face has turned sententious, old.. not how he wishes to look. - His body is breaking down. and, he'd rather Quit and not allow himself to be photographed in this state of increasing ill health. He is willing to give up the great love of work.... in face of the fact he can't do it as well as he can...., anymore. -- No amateur hour for him! And that I understand that. Better it be to quit on top, to quit when you know you can't bring your best anymore. --- I see his retirement as such a super brave step. How hard it must be, For HIM to accept... it is all over. - that takes major guts, and Peter as usual proves... he always had the stones! - I'll miss him for sure. I'd expect him to not be on this earth for much longer. - the last of the giants of acting. HIS BREED, shall not be replicated anytime soon. - The less we all are because of this. Goodbye Peter... , who is left to love and follow? all the greats are gone and you were the GREAT ONE, fuck I'll miss you.... hugs and love, and deep Admiration. --- Eric ( Peter O'Toole, Facebook fan page. xxx)

[beaversmom]

It does look like he has had work done around his eyes for sure. Personally, I wouldn’t care if his eyes are pulled around by his ears. There are some actors that get a pass from me and he’s one.

[RetiredArmy]

He made some sick movies. He played the murdering German general officer in Night of the Generals I think it was. He played a real sicko in that and LOOKED the part!!!

[beaversmom]

...he is a bad alcoholic.

Definitely true. I've had too much experience with that with the family I grew up in so I don't condone it, but I have an obvious soft spot for Peter so I'm going to stick up for the flawed man--warts and all. His great gifts and talents on screen have brought pleasure to my life. For that I have to thank him.

From the Charlie Rose interview linked above he said he once had this note pinned to a piece of dry cleaning he picked up from the cleaners. He thought it would be comical to have the comment as his epitaph : "It distresses us to return work which is not perfect." I hope his epitaph is years away.

[Gatún(CraigIsaMangoTreeLawyer)]

“I have an obvious soft spot for Peter so I’m going to stick up for the flawed man—warts and all. His great gifts and talents on screen have brought pleasure to my life. For that I have to thank him.”

I agree with you.

Thank you.