President leads tributes to O'Toole
Politicians and actors have paid tribute to renowned actor Peter O’Toole, describing him as wild, generous, and an acting legend.
The president has led the condolences for the Lawrence of Arabia star, who died on Saturday, aged 81, following a long illness.
Michael D Higgins said he “heard with great sadness” about his friend O’Toole’s death.
“Ireland and the world has lost one of the giants of film and theatre,” he said.
“In a long list of leading roles on stage and in film, Peter brought an extraordinary standard to bear as an actor.
“He had a deep interest in literature and a love of Shakespearean sonnets in particular.”
Mr Higgins offered his condolences to O’Toole’s family and said he would miss his “warm humour and generous friendship”.
“He was unsurpassed for the grace he brought to every performance on and off the stage,” Mr Higgins said.
British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “My thoughts are with Peter O’Toole’s family and friends. His performance in my favourite film, Lawrence of Arabia, was stunning.”
Tributes also poured in from Hollywood and the acting community.
Golden Globe-winning American actor Michael Chiklis posted: “RIP Peter O’Toole.
“Original, hard drinking, classic, actor’s actor. The piercing blue eyes of Lawrence Of Arabia will never fade.”
British actor Stephen Fry added:“Oh what terrible news. Farewell Peter O’Toole. I had the honour of directing him in a scene. Monster, scholar, lover of life, genius...”
American director Paul Feig, of Bridesmaids fame, wrote on Twitter: “Just heard that Peter O’Toole has died.
“RIP, sir. You were a hilarious, talented, wild and exciting class act. We need more like him.”
TV personality Piers Morgan remembered spending a day at the cricket with him.
“RIP Peter O’Toole,” he posted on Twitter.
“Spent one of the funniest days of my life with him at Lord’s a few years ago.
“A brilliant actor & crazy, hilarious man.”
Actress Sheridan Smith tweeted: “So sad about the death of the incredible Peter O Toole :( He saw a play I did last year & sent me & all the cast presents after. A true gent!”
Prime Minister David Cameron said his thoughts were with O’Toole’s family and friends.
“His performance in my favourite film, Lawrence of Arabia, was stunning,” he said.
Irish actor Jason O’Mara described O’Toole as “an acting legend and a hell raiser”.
“His last act of defiance was living to see 81, but the work will live on forever. RIP Peter O’Toole,” he said.
Comedian David Walliams recalled when he and acting partner Matt Lucas had drinks with O’Toole in Los Angeles.
“He was hugely entertaining,” he said.
“The greatest company. A legend on screen and off.”
