Olivia de Havilland, the iconic Hollywood actress, left an indelible mark on the silver screen. Her talent, grace, and resilience continue to inspire generations of film enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into her life, career, controversies, and fascinating facts. So, grab your popcorn and let’s explore the captivating journey of Olivia de Havilland.
Early Life and Upbringing
Olivia Mary de Havilland was born on July 1, 1916, in Tokyo, Japan. Her parents, Walter de Havilland and Lilian Fontaine, were British expatriates. Olivia’s younger sister, Joan Fontaine, also became a renowned actress.
The family later moved to California, where Olivia attended Los Gatos High School and developed a passion for acting.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dame Olivia Mary de Havilland DBE |
| Nickname | Livvie |
| Alternative Names(s) (also known as) | Olivia Fontaine |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1916 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 108 |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | British (by birthright), American (from 1941), French (after 1955) |
| Birthplace | Tokyo City, Empire of Japan |
| Hometown | Tokyo City, Empire of Japan |
| Current Address | Not specified |
| Education Qualification | high school |
| Hobbies and Interests | N/A |
| Languages Known | Afrikaans |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile | Link |
| IMDb Profile | Link |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurement
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Soft Classic |
| Height | 5 feet 3½ inches (161 cm) |
| Weight | 107 lbs (48.5 kg) |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 26 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Dark brown |
| Hair Colour | Dark brown |
| Hairstyle | pompadour |
| Distinctive Features | N/A |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Olivia’s personal life was as intriguing as her on-screen roles. She married Marcus Goodrich, a writer, in 1946, but the marriage ended in divorce. Later, she wed Pierre Galante, a French journalist. Despite her busy career, Olivia maintained close ties with her family, especially her sister Joan. Their relationship was complex, marked by both rivalry and affection.
| Relationship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Marcus Goodrich, Pierre Galante (both marriages ended in divorce) |
| Father | Walter de Havilland |
| Mother | Lilian Fontaine |
| Children | Two children (specific names not provided) |
| Siblings | Joan Fontaine (younger sister) |
| Affairs | Howard Hughes, Jimmy Stewart and John Huston |
| Significant Relationships | Howard Hughes, Jimmy Stewart and John Huston |
Rise to Stardom
Olivia’s breakthrough came when she starred as Melanie Hamilton in the 1939 classic “Gone with the Wind.” Her portrayal of the gentle, resilient Melanie earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a Hollywood A-lister.
She continued to shine in films like “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938) alongside Errol Flynn and “Hold Back the Dawn” (1941), which earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Olivia de Havilland – Debut Film – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935)
Olivia de Havilland – Successful Film – Gone with the Wind (1939)
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Olivia de Havilland’s career spanned several decades, earning her two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her first Oscar came for her role in “To Each His Own” (1946), where she played a selfless mother. The second was for “The Heiress” (1949), where she portrayed a woman caught in a web of love and betrayal. Olivia’s ability to convey depth and vulnerability made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | British-American actress |
| Debut Film | A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1935) |
| Notable Roles | Melanie Hamilton in “Gone with the Wind (1939),Catherine Sloper in “The Heiress (1949) |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Captain Blood |
| Upcoming Films | (Olivia de Havilland passed away in 2020) |
| Popular Television Series | Roots: The Next Generations |
| Awards and Achievements | Two Academy Awards (Best Actress in a Leading Role),Two Golden Globe Awards (Best Actress, Supporting Role) |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Olivia de Havilland is being recognized for the National Medal of Arts |
| Professional Associations | N/A |
| Training and Education | Studied acting at the Max Reinhardt School of Drama |
| Production Company | Warner Bros. (where she made most of her notable films) |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Gone with the Wind (1939),The Heiress” (1949) |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | The Snake Pit (1948),To Each His Own (1946) |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Finances Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Per Movie Charges | charged with authentic devotion to a man who barely knows she exists |
| Per Endorsement Charges | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | Dwight Deere Wiman is the latest producer to announce the sponsorship |
| Business Ventures | dies under mysterious circumstances, Ashley ventures to Italy to investigate |
| Investments | N/A |
| Real Estate Holdings | Real-Life Romances Of Emily In Paris StarsTheList |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | About Us Featured Properties Sold Properties |
| Cars Collection | Buick GNX muscle |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Tom Hanks |
| Favorite Actress | N/A |
| Favorite Film | Gone with the Wind (1939) |
| Favorite Music Bands | Going Home |
| Favorite Sport | Football |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | Black |
| Favorite Food | Salade Nicoise |
| Things s/he like | Reading, writing poetry, and drawing |
| Things s/he dislike | N/A |
Top 5 Best Films – Olivia de Havilland
| Film Title | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Gone with the Wind | 1939 | Melanie Hamilton |
| The Adventures of Robin Hood | 1938 | Maid Marian |
| Hold Back the Dawn | 1941 | Emmy Brown |
| To Each His Own | 1946 | Miss Josephine Norris |
| The Heires | 1949 | Catherine Sloper |
Controversies – Olivia de Havilland
- Sibling Rivalry: Olivia and Joan Fontaine’s strained relationship fueled gossip columns. Their feud escalated during the 1942 Academy Awards when Joan won Best Actress, and Olivia didn’t congratulate her.
- Lawsuit Against Warner Bros.: Olivia challenged the studio system by suing Warner Bros. over contract disputes. Her victory in the landmark case (known as the “de Havilland Law”) changed Hollywood contracts forever.
- Feud with Bette Davis: Olivia’s clash with Bette Davis on the set of “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte” (1964) became legendary. Their intense rivalry added drama both on and off-screen.
- Romantic Tangles: Olivia’s love life was fodder for tabloids. Her marriages and rumored affairs kept fans guessing.
- Academy Awards Boycott: Olivia boycotted the 1978 Oscars when her nominated film “The Swarm” was scheduled against the ceremony. Her principled stand made headlines.
Interesting Facts – Olivia de Havilland
- Olivia de Havilland was the last surviving major cast member of “Gone with the Wind.”
- She turned down the role of Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” which Vivien Leigh eventually played.
- Olivia’s elegance and poise made her a fashion icon of her time.
- She lived to be 104 years old, passing away in 2020.
In conclusion, Olivia de Havilland’s legacy extends beyond her filmography. She embodied resilience, talent, and grace, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood. As we celebrate her remarkable journey, let’s remember her as a true legend of the silver screen.
