Born in Connemara, Ireland; trained at RADA, London. Blond, blue-eyed Irish actor whose acclaimed work with the Royal Shakespeare Theater at Stratford-upon-Avon led to a starring role in David Lean's LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) and overnight, international fame. O'Toole's peculiar flair for portraying abstracted, visionary characters led to some superb performances in the 1960s and early 70s, notably opposite Richard Burton in BECKET (1964) and in the title role of Richard Brooks's Conrad adaptation, LORD JIM (1965). (Both features were co-produced by O'Toole's Keep Films company.) He was also superb as the personification of upper-class English eccentricity in the screen adaptation of Peter Barnes's play, THE RULING CLASS (1972). O'Toole's well-publicized bout with alcoholism sent his career on a downward spiral in the 1970s but he made a creditable comeback in THE STUNT MAN (1980) and followed it up with a fine performance as an over-the-hill swashbuckler in the riotous comedy, MY FAVORITE YEAR (1982). Although he has been known to sqaunder his talents on unworthy vehicles and has earned something of a reputation as a ham, O'Toole remains a performer of exceptional charisma and charm. He turned in an engaging character role as "RJ" Johnson, private tutor to Pu Yi, in Bertolucci's award-winning epic, THE LAST EMPEROR (1987). Other notable (non-nominated) credits include THE SAVAGE INNOCENTS (1959), LORD JIM (1965), MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972), ZULU DAWN and CALIGULA (both 1979), CREATOR (1985), HIGH SPIRITS (1988), THE FINAL CURTAIN (2002) and BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS (2003). Despite being nominated eight times for best actor, he has found the Oscar Statuette to be elusive. He leads all actors for the most nominations with no wins. However, the Academy recognized his achievements with an Honorary Award that was presented at the March 23, 2003 ceremonies.  Nominated for Actor 1962: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA  Nominated for Actor 1964: BECKET  Nominated for Actor 1968: THE LION IN WINTER  Nominated for Actor 1969: GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS  Nominated for Actor 1972: THE RULING CLASS  Nominated for Actor 1980: THE STUNT MAN  Nominated for Actor 1982: MY FAVORITE YEAR  Honorary Award 2002 - "whose remarkable talents have provided cinema history with some of its most memorable characters."  Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role 2006: VENUS 8 nominations, 1 Honorary Award