Olivier, << oh LIHV ee `ay,` >> Laurence (1907-1989), became one of the leading English actors of the 1900’s. Olivier was a versatile performer and was especially known for his acting in the plays of William Shakespeare. His film versions of Shakespeare’s Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1948), and Richard III (1955) are considered classics. Olivier produced, directed, and starred in all three films. He won an Academy Award as best actor for his performance in Hamlet. Olivier was given a special Academy Award for his work as producer, director, and star of Henry V. In 1979, he received a special Academy Award for his lifetime achievement in motion pictures.
Laurence Kerr Olivier was born on May 22, 1907, in Dorking. He made his professional stage debut in 1924. His first screen appearance was in 1930. Olivier gained international fame for his romantic roles in Wuthering Heights (1939) and Rebecca (1940). His other films include The Divorce of Lady X (1938), Pride and Prejudice (1940), Lady Hamilton (1941), The Entertainer (1960), Sleuth (1972), Marathon Man (1976), and The Boys from Brazil (1978). From 1963 until 1973, Olivier served as the first director of the National Theatre of Britain (now the Royal National Theatre).
Olivier was knighted in 1947. In 1970, he became Lord Olivier of Brighton, the first actor in English history to be named a baron. His autobiography, Confessions of an Actor, was published in 1982. On Acting (1986) is a series of essays he wrote about his professional life. He was married to the British actress Jill Esmond from 1930 to 1940, the British actress Vivien Leigh from 1940 to 1960, and the British actress Joan Plowright from 1961 until his death on July 11, 1989.
See also Leigh, Vivien ; Plowright, Joan .
