Actor Peter O'Toole, who shot to fame in the Oscar-winning epic Lawrence of Arabia, has died, aged 81

The acclaimed leading man died yesterday at the Wellington hospital in London after a long illness, his agent Steve Kenis said.

"He was one of a kind in the very best sense and a giant in his field," Mr Kenis said.

O'Toole enjoyed a long stage and film career and was nominated for an Oscar eight times. He did not win but received a special Oscar from his peers for his contribution to film.

He was best known for his 1962 role in the epic David Lean film Lawrence Of Arabia.