Things To Remember About Peter O'Toole

Peter O'Toole was a marvel of a man. Here are eight things, one for each of his Oscar nominations, I'll miss about the actor who "raised hell -- and standards."

1. He was so handsome when the light hit him a certain way.

Via What's New, Pussycat?

In What's New Pussycat?, every woman he meets falls in love with him. The phrase "when the light hits you a certain way you're so handsome" is repeated by women throughout the film. Set to Burt Bacharach's tunes and written by Woody Allen, this comedy gem brings together Peter Sellers, Romy Schneider, and Peter O'Toole. Wow!

2. His sense of humor.

youtube.com / Via My Favorite Year

He starred in plenty of comedies, but he was funny in real life, too. Watch any interview with Peter O'Toole, and you'll get a load of his brilliant sarcasm and an uplifting doze of self-depreciating humor. All in good taste and honest--and, above all, funny.

3. His "bravura acting."

Via Columbia Pictures/Photofest -- Peter O’Toole with Omar Sharif in the film “Lawrence of Arabia."

The NYT describes Peter O'Toole's "bravura acting" best:

"Mr. O’Toole threw himself wholeheartedly into what he called 'bravura acting,' courting and sometimes deserving the accusation that he became over-theatrical, mannered, even hammy. His lanky, loose-jointed build; his eyes; his long, lantern-jawed face; his oddly languorous sexual charm; and the eccentric loops and whoops of his voice tended to reinforce the impression of power and extravagance."

4. He loved being King.

youtube.com / Via The Lion in Winter

Two of his Oscar nominations came for playing Henry II in different films: Becket (1964) and The Lion in Winter (1968). The latter ends with Henry's proclamation, "You know, I hope we never die!" There's so much to remember about The Lion in Winter: James Goldman's brilliant writing, Katherine Hepburn's Oscar-winning performance, Anthony Hopkins' first-ever appearance on screen, Timothy Dalton's pretty face, yet still (just like Becket) it's all about the leading man--"a marvel of a man"--Peter O'Toole. The king.

5. All those Oscar nominations.

Via Peter O'Toole's acceptance of the Honorary Academy Award in 2003

Peter O'Toole holds the record for the most Academy Award acting nominations without a win. The list of his Oscar-nominated performances is worth remembering and reciting: Lawrence of Arabia, Becket, The Lion in Winter, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, The Ruling Class, The Stunt Man, My Favorite Year, and Venus . With a portfolio like this, Peter O'Toole's legend will live forever.

6. His perseverance.

Via Venus

He accepted the Honorary Academy Award in 2003 by announcing that he was "still in the game and might win the bugger outright." He almost did when his last Oscar nomination came in, for Venus. In 1978, he nearly died from a blood disorder but recovered and thrilled us for another 35 years.

7. His theater roots.

youtube.com / Via Peter O'Toole theater tribute

Hamlet, Shylock, Professor Higgins - he did it a whole lot on stage, both before and after hitting it big. Peter O'Toole's career was defined by his ability to deliver, any day & any time. He knew all Shakespeare sonnets (154) by heart and read them daily. Theatre, theatre, theatre molded him and kept him going for 81 years.

8. His words.

Via The Ruling Class

Peter O'Toole wrote two memoirs: Loitering With Intent: The Child and Loitering With Intent: The Apprentice. The first book was a Times Notable Book of the Year in 1992. He left us with many, many words. Hear, hear.

How we cats will laugh.

Via What's New Pussycat?

Peter O'Toole's cat power is through the roof. Forever.