Here in the Hills

Monday, December 16, 2013

peter o'toole 1932 - 2013;

On Saturday, December 14th, 2013, we lost another truly great actor.
One of the Giants of our business.
How gorgeous was he in "Lawrence Of Arabia"?
How gorgeous in every way.

In Daily Variety, they said:

"He racked up eight Oscar-nominated performances — including the beloved schoolmaster in “Goodbye Mr. Chips” (1969); two portrayals of King Henry II (“Becket,” 1964, “The Lion in Winter,” 1968); an insane aristocrat who thinks he’s Jesus Christ in “The Ruling Class” (1972); the larger-than-life film director in “The Stunt Man” (1980); and the swashbuckling actor in “My Favorite Year” — but his “Lawrence” always loomed largest."

His last Oscar nomination was for "Venus" in 2007.
A beautiful performance. And I remember I hoped he would win because one wondered, would there be another performance at his age.
(Well there was.....but that's another story....)

He holds the record for the most nominated actor in a leading role, never to win an Oscar.

In 2003, The Academy awarded him an Honorary Oscar.....

"....whose remarkable talents have provided cinema history with some of his most memorable characters....."

Back on March 15th, 2012, I wrote about a little film I happened to stumble upon....

"Dean Spanley" in which Mr. O'Toole gave a stunning performance. He was irascible; he was funny and ultimately, he was so very very touching.
I said at the time, I didn't understand how this little gem of a film was overlooked by the Oscars.
(If you click on the above you can read my post and review of "Dean Spanley". a film very much worth seeing.)

And it was not just overlooked by the Academy, but it was overlooked by everybody!
This was and is beyond my understanding.

Everything that was wonderful and special and unique about Peter O'Toole is on view in "Dean Spanley"
A beautiful film, not to be missed, especially because it is from his later years.

When Peter O'Toole announced his 'retirement' last year, I wondered if illness was the reason.
This was a man who loved what he did and continued doing it for a very long time, on stage and screen.

He made close to 100 films and appeared in way over 100 plays.

I think he felt he was on borrowed time for many many years.....He had a number of incredibly life threatening illnesses in the 1970's and '80's, and miraculously survived them all.......
and then, I guess he just wasn't able to survive any longer---the body just gave out.

He left a magnificent body of work that will last forever. by the grace of all our technical advances........

Who would have ever thought back in 1962 when he made "Lawrence Of Arabia" that one day we would be able to watch that Star-Making performance, and all of the other magnificent films Peter O'Toole made, while sitting in our homes, on any number of amazing devices of all sizes, from any number of venues---
Netflix, Amazon Streaming, iTunes, On Demand, etc., etc., Anytime we want.
What a great gift!

Rest in Peace dear dear Peter O'Toole.
You touched our lives over and over with your always full-out
dedicated performances.
Thank you so much for all these very moving and special memories.

And look for "Dean Spanley".
You won't be sorry.

More To Come........

12 Comments:

Jojo had this to say:: A friend just posted a great article about losing the last of the great partying crowd of the 60s. It was such a great article highlighting all sorts of stories about his drinking and living large with Richard Burton, Michael Caine, etc.; Monday, December 16, 2013 at 3:28:00 AM PST
Arkansas Patti had this to say:: He was one incredibly handsome man. I wasn't aware he never won an Oscar. What a shame.
Thanks for the tip about ""Dean Spanley". Heading for Netflix now.; Monday, December 16, 2013 at 4:47:00 AM PST
Lynn had this to say:: I just saw The Lion in Winter and Lawrence of Arabia for the first time during the last five years. Both wonderful films - and you are right, such a gorgeous man.

With your recommendation I'll watch Dear Spanley - thank you for that.

Another great loss for the film community.; Monday, December 16, 2013 at 6:45:00 AM PST
Tracie Nall had this to say:: I was very sad when I saw the news this morning and learned of his passing. Dean Spanley is being added to my watch list. It sounds like a wonderful movie - I can't believe I missed it.; Monday, December 16, 2013 at 12:18:00 PM PST
sonia a. mascaro had this to say:: I am sorry...
He was outstanding! Great talent!
What a gorgeous blue eyes, what a charming and beautiful actor.
Great post, Naomi!; Monday, December 16, 2013 at 12:21:00 PM PST
LL Cool Joe had this to say:: He was a good looking man I agree. Another tragic loss. I haven't seen the film mentioned but I will try and check it out.

Wow he made 100 films and appeared in over 100 plays? That's amazing. He must have loved working.; Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 1:28:00 AM PST
Diane J Standiford had this to say:: What a GIFT he was to us.; Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 7:04:00 PM PST
rashbre had this to say:: I agree that Lawrence of Arabia is a stunning film, really made for the widest screen possible.

And wasn't it Peter O'Toole's first movie?

Incredible.; Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 11:49:00 AM PST
Vagabonde had this to say:: I read about his passing in a French newspaper. They said that he was born in Ireland and was a real Irish man – drank a lot and could go from intense joy to deep melancholy very quickly. They also said that he lost all the money he was paid to film Lawrence of Arabia when the movie was finished when he and Omar Sharif gambled in casinos. Anyway he led an interesting life. His Lawrence will live forever for his acting and his looks – blond with piercing and intense blue eyes. I have not seen Dean Spanley but will try to find it after the holidays. Thanks for reminding us about this movie.; Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 3:46:00 PM PST
Riot Kitty had this to say:: He never won an Oscar? That's unbelievable!; Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 5:34:00 PM PST
Nikki - Notes of Life had this to say:: A great actor. He'll be missed :(; Friday, December 20, 2013 at 10:11:00 AM PST
Pat had this to say:: He certainly was one of the 'hell raisers' and sadly - like his comrades - his body gave out in the end.
But his memory will live on.; Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at 8:50:00 AM PST