Peter O’Toole is one of the leading actors of his time and has been a household name for over 50 years. He is Irish born, but grew up in Leeds, England and he started his professional career with the aspirations of being a journalist. After writing about the cinema for the local newspaper he decided his true passion was to make it on the silver screen. After serving in the army he attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. His first debuts were on stage, but he soon landed key roles in movies and this is where we start our count down of the top ten performances of Peter O’Toole.

10. Dean Spanley (2008): One his most recent roles, he plays Fisk Senior, a father that has little affection for his son. He soon learns after a journey with his son that he has a change of heart towards his son. Peter O’Toole in this Edwardian period set film gives a compelling performance.

9. Troy (2004): Playing the role of the Trojan King, Priam, is no easy task, but when you are able to portray a character as humble, noble and heroic that is something to be proud of. The 2004 blockbuster awed millions and vividly portrayed the legend of Troy with a cast that included Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom.

8. Venus (2006): Playing the leading character Maurice, a 70 year old man that falls for a woman 50 years younger, O’Toole gives a compelling performance. His role in the movie lead to a nomination for Actor in a Lading Role at the Oscars. He did not win, but his performance was talked about worldwide.

7. The Ruling Class (1972): In this British comedy, O’Toole plays Jack Arnold Alexander Tancred Gurney. This laugh out loud comedy/ musical is about a member of parliament who dies in peculiarly funny way and his estate is left to his insane son. Once again for his performance O’Toole received an Academy Award nomination, but did not win.

6. My Favorite Year (1982): Alan Swann is a drunken actor that has been asked to come onto a comedy show, but when he causes some issues he is given a babysitter. O’Toole plays the role of Swann and brings tons of laughs to the screen. His comedic role gave him a nomination at the Academy Awards.

5. Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969): Based on the James Hilton novel, Peter O’Toole plays the character Chips. Chips is a shy professor who falls in love with an actress that is the opposite of him. This comedy landed a nomination for an Oscar, but O’Toole left empty handed.

4. The Stunt Man (1980): When a fugitive running from the police runs on stage of a movie set in the need of a stunt man the director, Peter O’Toole gives him the job. This movie gives an interesting sense of danger and fantasy. O’Toole was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance.

3. Becket (1964): O’Toole plays the role of King Henry II, but instead of a story based around his family issues it concentrates on his issue with his friend. The King appoints his good friend Thomas Becket as the Archbishop of Canterbury in hope of encountering little opposition, but this hope does not come true. O’Toole was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, but unfortunately he did not receive the little gold statue in the end.

2. The Lion in Winter (1968): Staring across from the beautiful Katherine Hepburn as once again Henry II, O’Toole plays the role of a King with a complicated life. King Henry II has the complicated life of having a mistress and wife he no longer wants and three sons who are fighting over the future spot on the throne. After succeeding once again in playing Henry II, O’Toole was nominated for an Oscar.

1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962): The role that put Peter O’Toole on the map is still talked about 47 years later. O’Toole played the role of T.E. Lawrence, a controversial hero that went through the Arabian desert looking for glory. The role landed him his first Oscar nomination and that was only the beginning. Along with being nominated for the Oscars he won the BAFTA for British Actor in 1963 for his leading role.