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Harry Ransom Center (U. of Texas at Austin) Acquires Archive of Theatre and Film Actor Peter O'Toole
Filed by Gary Price on April 21, 2017
From the Ransom Center (U. of Texas at Austin):
The Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin has obtained the archive of British theatre and film actor Peter O'Toole (1932–2013).
After eight Academy Award nominations for his roles in "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), "Becket" (1964), "The Lion in Winter" (1968), "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1969), "The Ruling Class" (1972), "The Stunt Man" (1980), "My Favorite Year" (1982) and "Venus" (2006), O'Toole received an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his life-time's work in film in 2002. O'Toole was also a distinguished stage actor who performed in the theatre from the 1950s through 1999.
Studio photo of Peter O'Toole in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.
The extensive archive contains theatre and film scripts along with O'Toole's writings, including drafts, notes and working material for his multivolume memoir "Loitering with Intent."
"It is with a respect for the past and an eye to the future that I recognize the importance of making my father's archive accessible and preserving it for future generations," said Kate O'Toole. "Thanks to the nature of film, my father's work has already been immortalized. The Ransom Center now provides a world-class home for the private thoughts, conversations, notes and stories that illuminate such a long and distinguished career."
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The archive includes a rich photographic record documenting all periods of O'Toole's personal and professional life. These include diaries and notebooks, theatre and film programs and memorabilia, audio recordings of his rehearsing lines and reciting poetry, awards, and a selection of iconic props and costume pieces, including his sword from the National Theatre's inaugural production of "Hamlet" directed by Laurence Olivier.
The archive will be accessible once processed and cataloged.
Learn More, Read the Complete Acquisition Announcement
See Also: Video From Ransom Center About the Peter O'Toole Archive