Irish - born screen and stage actor Peter O'Toole died Sunday at the age of 81 . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Richard Fitzwilliams . O'Toole was best known for his starring role in the 1953 film ` ` Lawrence of Arabia '' Richard Burton says O'Toole led a life that was rich in excess and excess . The talented actor 's hellraising lifestyle limited his success , Fitzwilliams says .
Irish - born screen and stage actor Peter O'Toole died Sunday at the age of 81 . O'Toole was best known for his starring role in the 1953 film ` ` Lawrence of Arabia '' Richard Burton says O'Toole led a life that was rich in excess and excess . The talented actor 's hellraising lifestyle limited his success , Fitzwilliams says .