alison harmelin takes a look back at his distinguished career. >> reporter: peter o'toole earned his first oscar nomination british soldier in the epic film "lawrence of arabia." o'toole's prolific career began on the brit in stalk. from there he embraced hollywood in all of its glamor and gluttony and was known as a hard drinking hell-raiser in the 1960s. he starred with richard burton in "becket." the actor teamed with katharine hepburn in "lion of winter." >> reporter: and he played a british school teacher in "good-bye, mr. chips." in 2006 the self-effacing actor signed his name in comment at gram's chinese thoughter. and eight academy award nominations later he never took home an oscar when in 2003 the academy gave him an honorary award for his body of work. >> yes. very good films, i think. >> reporter: the celebrated son of great britain was celebrated by millions around the globe. quote, my thoughts are with peter o'toole's family and friends. his performance in my favorite film "lawrence of arabia" was stunning. the legendary actor was 81. alison harmelin, cbs news, new york. >>> actress joan font