Peter O'Toole Bids Farewell to Acting

The 79 year-old, famous for his roles in films such as "The Lion in Winter," expressed his appreciation for his acting career stating "it's my belief that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one's stay. So I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell."

And what a long and active career to be proud of. O'Toole's work ranged from T.E. Lawrence in "Lawrence of Arabia" to the title character in Joseph Conrad's "Lord Jim". It also included Pope Paul II in the Showtime series "The Tudors" to a finicky food critic in the animated hit "Ratatouille."

The actor did finally get his Oscar in 2003, when he received an honorary Academy Award for his work. He may be finished with acting, but the screen legend will stay active in retirement working on the third volume of his memoirs.