PHILLIPS: Witty storyteller, globetrotting humanitarian and master of characters in languages: all of this describes Oscar-winning actor Peter Ustinov. But he's probably best described as just being himself. Peter Ustinov has died of heart failure at age 82 in a hospital near his home in Lake Geneva in Switzerland. CNN's Guy Ross (ph) looks back at his remarkable life.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Peter Ustinov appeared in roles ranging from Emperor Nero to Dr. Samuel Johnson. Over the course of his 60-year career, the actor was nominated four times for Oscars, winning twice, first in 1961 for a supporting role in "Sparticus" and again in 1965, for a role in "Topkapi." His last major film role was as a doctor in the 1992 film "Lorenzo's Oil."</s>PETER USTINOV, ACTOR: This science of medicine, you know, it's not like physics. There's no mathematical certainty. And because we deal with human beings who suffer, it can appear heartless.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ustinov was born in London in 1921 to Russian parents. As a boy, he attended an elite private school, but dropped out at 16 to pursue acting. By the time Ustinov reached the age of 17, he was already appearing on London stages. Within two years he became a professional film actor. Critics regarded Ustinov as something of a renaissance man, for aside from his acting, he wrote and directed films and plays. Later in life, the actor focused on humanitarian work, serving as a goodwill ambassador for</s>UNICEF. USTINOV: What I gained is a greater comprehension of the difficulties in this world and also a far greater sense of humanity, which has helped me immensely in my work. So I'm very grateful to</s>UNICEF. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In 1990, Ustinov was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his contribution to British theater. Peter Ustinov was 82. Guy Ross (ph), CNN, London.
Peter Ustinov Dead at 82