Legendary Actress & Widow Of Laurence Olivier Passed Away At 95

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Dame Joan Plowright, one of Britain’s most esteemed stage and screen actresses and the widow of Sir Laurence Olivier, has passed away at the age of 95.

Her career spanned six decades and included an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 1991 film Enchanted April.

Plowright married Olivier in 1961 after appearing alongside him as his daughter in The Entertainer. She later became a prominent figure in the National Theatre, which Olivier established.

In a statement printed in The BBC, her family said they were “so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being”.

“It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall aged 95.”

“She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.

“She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.”

They continued “She survived her many challenges with Plowright grit and courageous determination to make the best of them, and that she certainly did.

“Rest in peace, Joan…”

Dame Joan Plowright was Born on October 28, 1929, in Brigg, Lincolnshire, England. She demonstrated an early passion for the arts and honed her craft at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Plowright’s career began on the stage, where her talent quickly earned her recognition. She joined the English Stage Company in the 1950s and became a leading member of the National Theatre, co-founded by her future husband, Sir Laurence Olivier. Her performance as Jean Rice in John Osborne’s The Entertainer (1957) alongside Olivier solidified her reputation as a formidable actress and marked the start of her association with one of Britain’s greatest theatrical figures.

In 1961, Plowright married Olivier, and together they became a power couple in the world of British theatre and film. Despite the shadow of Olivier’s legacy, Plowright carved out her own impressive career. She was known for her ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of roles, from classical to contemporary.

Her transition to film was equally successful. Plowright earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Enchanted April (1991), where her performance was widely praised for its warmth and charm. Other notable film credits include The House of Spirits (1993), Tea with Mussolini (1999), and 101 Dalmatians (1996). She also appeared in acclaimed television productions, earning multiple awards, including a Golden Globe.

Beyond her professional achievements, Plowright was a passionate advocate for the arts and a mentor to younger generations of actors. She received numerous honors during her lifetime, including being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2004 for her contributions to drama.

Plowright and Olivier had three children together. Both daughters became actresses. The couple remained married until Olivier’s death in 1989.

The actress was retired for the last decade of her life because she lost her eyesight.

Rest In Peace.