Vivien Leigh was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Gone with the Wind, A Streetcar Named Desire, and That Hamilton Woman. She received critical acclaim for her powerful performances and won two Academy Awards.
Personal and Family Life
Vivien Leigh was born on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, British India. Her birth name was Vivian Mary Hartley. She had a varied early life, including time spent in a convent school in England, where she discovered her passion for acting. Vivien was married twice, first to Herbert Leigh Holman from 1932 to 1940, with whom she had one child, and later to Laurence Olivier from 1940 until their divorce in 1961.
Career
Vivien Leigh’s career began with small roles in English films, eventually leading to major success on the London stage. She gained international fame for her role as Scarlett O’Hara in the film adaptation of Gone with the Wind in 1939. This was followed by her iconic performance as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire in 1951, which solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.
Death and Legacy
Vivien Leigh passed away on July 7, 1967, in London, England, due to chronic tuberculosis. Despite her struggles with health, her legacy endures through her memorable performances and contributions to film and theater. She is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of her time, celebrated for her captivating beauty and intense roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Streetcar Named Desire | 1951-09-19 | Blanche DuBois |
| Gone with the Wind | 1939-03-12 | Scarlett O’Hara |
| Ship of Fools | 1965-07-29 | Mary Treadwell |
| Fire Over England | 1937-03-05 | Cynthia |
| Caesar and Cleopatra | 1945-12-11 | Cleopatra |
| Anna Karenina | 1948-01-22 | Anna Karenina |
| The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone | 1961-12-28 | Karen Stone |
| That Hamilton Woman | 1941-04-03 | Emma, Lady Hamilton |
| Waterloo Bridge | 1940-05-17 | Myra |
| 21 Days Together | 1940-01-07 | Wanda |
| Dark Journey | 1937-07-02 | Madeleine Goddard |
| Storm in a Teacup | 1937-02-25 | Victoria Gow |
| St. Martin’s Lane | 1938-10-18 | Liberty |
| A Yank at Oxford | 1938-02-18 | Elsa Craddock |
| The Village Squire | 1935-04-14 | Rose Venables |
| Things Are Looking Up | 1935-06-09 | Schoolgirl |
| Look Up and Laugh | 1935-08-13 | Marjorie Belfer |