Vivien Leigh
- Born:
- 5 November 1913, Darjeeling, British India
- Died:
- 8 July 1967, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actress
Early Life and Education
- Born Vivian Mary Hartley in Darjeeling, India, to Ernest Hartley, a British stockbroker, and Gertrude Robinson Yackje.
- Educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Roehampton, London.
- Briefly attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her acting career in 1935.
- Rose to international fame for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, winning an Academy Award for Best Actress.
- Won a second Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Blanche DuBois in the 1951 film A Streetcar Named Desire.
- A celebrated stage actress, performing extensively in London's West End and on Broadway.
- Known for her collaborations with Laurence Olivier, both on stage and screen.
- Successfully transitioned between stage and screen roles throughout her career.
- Numerous resources exist regarding her life, including those that present a "vivien leigh biography video interview," offering further insights.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1937 | Dark Journey | Madeleine Goddard |
| 1939 | Gone with the Wind | Scarlett O'Hara |
| 1940 | Waterloo Bridge | Myra Lester |
| 1951 | A Streetcar Named Desire | Blanche DuBois |
| 1965 | Ship of Fools | Mary Treadwell |
Stage Performances (Selection)
- Romeo and Juliet (1940)
- A Streetcar Named Desire (1949)
- Antony and Cleopatra (1951, 1953)
- Macbeth (1955)
- Titus Andronicus (1955)
Awards and Recognition
- Academy Award for Best Actress, Gone with the Wind (1939)
- Academy Award for Best Actress, A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
- Volpi Cup for Best Actress, A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
- Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, Tovarich (1963)
Legacy and Impact
Vivien Leigh remains a significant figure in film and theatre history, remembered for her captivating performances and her enduring portrayal of iconic characters. Her talent, beauty, and passionate dedication to her craft have cemented her place as one of the greatest actresses of the 20th century.