Vivien Leigh, born Vivian Mary Hartley on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, India, was a legendary Hollywood actress known for her captivating beauty, remarkable talent, and unforgettable performances. Her life was a fascinating blend of glamour, tragedy, and artistic brilliance. Let’s delve into the extraordinary journey of this iconic star.
Early Life and Upbringing
Vivien’s childhood was marked by a multicultural upbringing. Born to British parents in India, she spent her formative years in the lush landscapes of Darjeeling. Her exposure to diverse cultures and languages influenced her worldview and later contributed to her versatility as an actress.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivien Leigh |
| Nickname | Vivien |
| Alternative Names(s) | Lady Olivier |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1913 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 110 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | British |
| Birthplace | Darjeeling, India |
| Hometown | London, England |
| Current Address | N/A |
| Education Qualification | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) |
| Hobbies and Interests | Acting, literature, gardening |
| Languages Known | English |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook ,Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile | Vivien Leigh Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | Vivien Leigh IMDb |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Stats | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim |
| Body Measurements (Chest – Waist – Hips) | 35-25-35 |
| Height | 5ft 3.5 |
| Weight | 54 kg |
| Chest | 35 inches |
| Waist | 25 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Hair Colour | Dark brown |
| Hairstyle | Varies (based on roles) |
| Distinctive Features | Elegance, poise |
| Tattoos | yes |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Vivien’s personal life was as dramatic as any of her film roles. She married twice—first to Herbert Leigh Holman and later to Laurence Olivier. The latter union, with fellow actor Olivier, became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated love stories. Their passionate relationship fueled their on-screen chemistry, leading to memorable collaborations.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse – Husband | Laurence Olivier |
| Father | Ernest Richard Hartley |
| Mother | Gertrude Mary Frances (née Yackjee) |
| Children | Suzanne Farrington |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | John Merivale |
| Significant Relationships | Laurence Olivier (husband) |
Rise to Stardom
Vivien’s breakthrough came with her portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind” (1939). Her fiery spirit and vulnerability resonated with audiences worldwide.
The film catapulted her to stardom, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. She followed it up with equally compelling performances in “Waterloo Bridge” (1940) and “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951).
Vivien Leigh – Debut Film – Things Are Looking Up (1934)
Vivien Leigh – Successful Film – Caesar and Cleopatra (1945)
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Throughout her career, Vivien received critical acclaim and numerous accolades. Her second Oscar came for her role as Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” She also won Tony Awards for her stage work, showcasing her versatility beyond the silver screen.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress |
| Debut Film | Fire Over England (1937) |
| Notable Roles | Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939) – Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) |
| Recent Films | Anna Karenina |
| Upcoming Films | N/A |
| Popular Television Series | N/A (Primarily known for her work in film and theater) |
| Awards and Achievements | Academy Award for Best Actress (twice) – Tony Award for Tovarich (1963) |
| Endorsements/Brands | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | N/A |
| Professional Associations | N/A (Primarily associated with Laurence Olivier) |
| Training and Education | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Success (Hits) | Gone with the Wind (1939) |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Finances Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Per Movie Charges | $25,000 |
| Per Endorsement Charges | $9,000 |
| Sponsorship Deals | Global Atlanta’s Africa Channel |
| Business Ventures | Miskatonic University |
| Investments | Hang Lung Properties Limited |
| Real Estate Holdings | real estate . |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | GE online magazine |
| Cars Collection | Rolls royce |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Laurence Olivier |
| Favorite Actress | Morgan Brittany |
| Favorite Film | “Gone with the Wind” |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | golf |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | black |
| Favorite Food | French cuisine, chocolate, raw. vegetables |
| Things s/he like | playful children |
| Things s/he dislike | N/A |
Top 5 Best Films – Vivien Leigh
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Gone with the Wind | 1939 | Scarlett O’Hara |
| A Streetcar Named Desire | 1951 | Blanche DuBois |
| Waterloo Bridge | 1940 | Myra Lester |
| Anna Karenina | 1948 | Anna Karenina |
| Caesar and Cleopatra | 1945 | Cleopatra |
Controversies – Vivien Leigh
- Marriage to Laurence Olivier: Their passionate relationship faced scrutiny from the media, especially during their tumultuous marriage.
- Health Struggles: Vivien battled bipolar disorder, which affected her personal and professional life.
- Casting Controversies: Some criticized her casting as Scarlett O’Hara due to her British background.
- Divorce and Heartbreak: Her divorce from Olivier was highly publicized and emotionally draining.
- Political Activism: Vivien’s outspoken views on various issues sparked debates.
Interesting Facts – Vivien Leigh
- Multilingual Skills: Fluent in English, French, and Italian, Vivien impressed colleagues with her linguistic abilities.
- Method Acting: She immersed herself in her roles, often staying in character even off-camera.
- Scarlett’s Iconic Dress: The green velvet dress from “Gone with the Wind” remains an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour.
- Stage Triumphs: Vivien’s stage performances, including “Antony and Cleopatra,” showcased her theatrical brilliance.
- Legacy: Her impact on cinema endures, inspiring generations of actors and captivating audiences worldwide.
In summary, Vivien Leigh’s life was a tapestry of passion, talent, and resilience. Her legacy continues to shine brightly, reminding us that true stardom transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on the silver screen.
