Tributes pour in following the death of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ star Peter O’Toole

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FILE - In this April 11, 2011 file photo, Actor Peter O’Toole places his handprints in cement as he is honored during the TCM Classic Film Festival at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. O\'Toole, the charismatic actor who achieved instant stardom as Lawrence of Arabia and was nominated eight times for an Academy Award, has died. He was 81. O\'Toole\'s agent Steve Kenis says the actor died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 at a hospital following a long illness. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)

LONDON – World leaders, film critics and Hollywood stars have paid tribute to Peter O’Toole, the towering actor known for his burning blue eyes in movies including “Lawrence of Arabia,” and for his equally legendary hard-living.

The 81-year-old O’Toole, who died Saturday in London, was nominated a record eight times for an Academy Award without winning.

Britain’s prime minister and Ireland’s president were among the many expressing condolences. Irish President Michael D. Higgins says O’Toole had been “unsurpassed for the grace he brought to every performance.”

Actor Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in several “Harry Potter” films, declared it the end of an era. He told the BBC on Monday: “There won’t be any more like that, will there?”

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