In the given statement, Peter O'Toole refers to his father's occupation as a racetrack bookie, indicating that his father worked at horse racing tracks or other gambling venues where people place bets on race outcomes. A bookie is someone who sets and manages betting odds for various events.
This quote offers insight into Peter O'Toole’s background and the environment in which he grew up. It suggests a family dynamic shaped by gambling culture, likely imbued with excitement but also potential risks and ethical dilemmas associated with gambling. The mention of his father's job reveals the influence of his upbringing on O'Toole's personal history and possibly his worldview.
Peter O'Toole is an acclaimed British-Irish actor known for his powerful performances in both stage and screen, most notably for his role as T.E. Lawrence in "Lawrence of Arabia." Born to a family with roots deeply embedded in the horse racing industry, this background has often been cited by him as one that influenced his understanding of human nature and drama from an early age.
