Laurence Olivier
(1907-1989), Actor, producer and directorLaurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier
Sitter in 114 portraits
Born in Dorking and educated at St Edward's School Oxford, he won a scholarship to the Central School, and in 1927 joined Birmingham Rep. Olivier established his reputation through Shakespearean stage roles and film performances including Heathcliffe in Wuthering Heights (1939) and Maxim de Winter in Rebecca (1940). He directed and starred in Henry V (1943-4), and became actor-manager of the Old Vic. He was knighted in 1947. He later formed his own company, directing and co-starring with his wife Vivien Leigh, and found equal success with contemporary theatre, particularly John Osborne's The Entertainer (1957). In 1962 he became the first director of the National Theatre.
Explore the portrait of Laurence Olivier by Peter Lambda (NPG 5481a) from all angles
by Carl Van Vechten
vintage gelatin silver print, 17 June 1939
NPG P1126
by Peter Lambda
bronze bust, 1950
On display in the Weston Wing Café at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 5481
by Peter Lambda
cold cast bronze bust, 1950
NPG 5481a
Laurence Olivier; Vivien Leigh
by Yousuf Karsh
bromide print, 1954
NPG P490(60)
by Lord Snowdon
gelatin silver print, 12 February 1968
NPG P1905
by Bern Schwartz
dye transfer print, 15 June 1978
NPG P1226
by Bern Schwartz
dye transfer print, 15 June 1978
NPG P1227
by Bern Schwartz
dye transfer print, 15 June 1978
NPG P1228
by Bern Schwartz
dye transfer print, 15 June 1978
NPG P1229
by Emma Sergeant
oil on panel, 1982
NPG 5502
by Sasha (Alexander Stewart)
modern bromide print from original negative, 1929
NPG x45063
by Unknown photographer
modern bromide print from original negative, circa 1930
NPG x45132
by Sasha (Alexander Stewart)
modern bromide print from original negative, 1930
NPG x45062
Related People
- Jill Esmond (wife)
- Vivien Leigh (wife)
- Sydney Haldane Olivier, 1st Baron Olivier (uncle)
- Hon. Julie Kate Olivier (daughter)
- Hon. Richard Olivier (son)
- Hon. Tamsin Olivier (daughter)
- Dame Joan Ann Plowright (Lady Olivier) (wife)
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