The Early Years of Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier was born on May 22, 1907, in Dorking, Surrey, England. His parents were Gerard Kerr Olivier, a clergyman, and Agnes Louise Crookenden. Olivier was the youngest of three children and had two older siblings, Sybille and Gerard Dacres. Olivier’s early years were spent in a strict, religious household, which he later described as unhappy. However, he found solace in acting and often performed in school plays.
At the age of 18, Olivier decided to pursue acting professionally and joined the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He made his stage debut in 1926 and quickly gained recognition for his talent. Olivier’s early years in the theater set the foundation for his later success in film and television.
Laurence Olivier’s Iconic Films
Throughout his career, Olivier starred in numerous films that have become classics. One of his most iconic roles was as the title character in Hamlet (1948), which he also directed. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Olivier. Another notable film was Rebecca (1940), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, in which Olivier played the brooding Maxim de Winter. He also starred in Spartacus (1960), Wuthering Heights (1939), and The Entertainer (1960), among many others.
Olivier’s talent and versatility as an actor were widely recognized, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won four, including an honorary award in 1979 for his lifetime achievements in film. He was also knighted in 1947 and made a life peer in 1970, becoming Baron Olivier of Brighton.
Laurence Olivier’s Personal Life
Olivier was married three times and had numerous affairs throughout his life. His first marriage was to actress Jill Esmond, with whom he had a son, Tarquin. They divorced in 1940, and Olivier soon married actress Vivien Leigh. Olivier and Leigh had a tumultuous relationship and divorced in 1960. Olivier later married actress Joan Plowright, with whom he had three children.
Olivier’s personal life was often the subject of media scrutiny, and his affairs with both men and women were widely rumored. However, he remained a private person and rarely spoke publicly about his personal life.
Laurence Olivier’s Legacy
Laurence Olivier’s impact on the world of acting and film is immeasurable. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century and his performances continue to inspire actors and filmmakers today. Olivier’s legacy also includes his work as a director and producer, as well as his contributions to the theater.
Despite his personal struggles and controversies, Olivier remains an icon in the world of film and theater. His talent, dedication, and passion for acting continue to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike.
The Death of Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier died on July 11, 1989, at the age of 82. He had been suffering from prostate cancer and had been in declining health for some time. Olivier’s death was widely mourned, and he was remembered as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Olivier’s legacy lives on through his films, his contributions to the theater, and his influence on generations of actors and filmmakers. His impact on the world of acting and film will continue to be felt for years to come.
