If he sticks with it, it’s a fitting end to the six-decade-plus career of the Irish actor, who released a very Peter O’Toole-like statement today saying he is retiring from films and stage just shy of his 80th birthday. The Lawrence Of Arabia and My Favourite Year star has done just about everything in the business — winning BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Emmys. But never won the Academy Award, though he was given an honorary Oscar in 2003. Here’s the statement:

Dear All

It is time for me to chuck in the sponge. To retire from films and stage. The heart for it has gone out of me: it won’t come back.

My professional acting life, stage and screen, has brought me public support, emotional fulfillment and material comfort. It has brought me together with fine people, good companions with whom I’ve shared the inevitable lot of all actors: flops and hits.

However, 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.

Ever

Peter O’Toole