Who played T. E. Lawrence in David Lean’s 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia?

Peter O’Toole played T. E. Lawrence in David Lean’s 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.

The film dramatizes the role of British Army officer T. E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in the First World War. O’Toole’s performance presents Lawrence as charismatic, imaginative, and increasingly troubled by the violence and political contradictions surrounding the campaign.

Omar Sharif plays Sherif Ali, Alec Guinness portrays Prince Faisal, and Anthony Quinn plays Auda abu Tayi. The film was written by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson, with music by Maurice Jarre and cinematography by Freddie Young.

Lawrence of Arabia won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. O’Toole was nominated for Best Actor but did not win. The movie is a historical epic rather than a literal biography; historians have noted that it reshapes events and combines or alters some figures for dramatic storytelling.