Peter O’Toole, best known for his role in Lawrence of Arabia, died in London on Saturday at the age of 81. His daughter Kate O’Toole told the media her father had been ill for a long while.

O’Toole earned his first of eight Academy Award nominations for his iconic role in Lawrence of Arabia. The classically trained actor went on in the 1960s to star in Becket opposite Richard Burton and opposite Katharine Hepburn in The Lion in Winter. In the 1970s he starred in Goodbye, Mr. Chips, The Ruling Class and Man of La Mancha.

A wealth of celebrities shared their thoughts on Peter O’Toole’s passing via Twitter. This will no doubt be a huge topic on Monday morning’s news programs and talk shows. It’s likely that film stars who knew the actor will offer insight into his life and talent.

From Lawrence of Arabia to My Favorite Year… and so many others. One of the movie greats is gone. Respect to Peter O'Toole.

— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) December 15, 2013

RIP Peter O'Toole: Steely, genius, madman. (Somewhere there's a pic of him & my son as a toddler at a Super Bowl party. #NotKidding)

— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) December 15, 2013

Thoughts and prayers going out to the family of Peter O'Toole

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 15, 2013

It’s plain to see that even though Peter O’Toole’s more significant roles were played decades ago, that Hollywood hasn’t forgotten his amazing talent. Today’s actors clearly regard the film legend as the master that he was.

Image via Wikimedia