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
Laurence Olivier as Michael Ingolby in 'Fire over England'
by Howard Coster
half-plate film negative, 1936
NPG x23961
Laurence Olivier as Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by Howard Coster
half-plate film negative, 1936
NPG x23966
Laurence Olivier as Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by Howard Coster
half-plate film negative, 1936
NPG x23967
Laurence Olivier as Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by Howard Coster
half-plate film negative, 1936
NPG x23968
Laurence Olivier as Mercutio in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by Howard Coster
half-plate film negative, 1936
NPG x23969
Laurence Olivier as Mercutio in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by Howard Coster
half-plate film negative, 1936
NPG x23970
Laurence Olivier as Mercutio in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by Howard Coster
half-plate film negative, 1936
NPG x23971
Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by John Swope
tear sheet, 1940
NPG x137669
Eileen Herlie as the Queen and Laurence Olivier as Hamlet in 'Hamlet'
by Wilfrid Newton
halftone reproduction tear sheet, published 24 March 1948
NPG x193337
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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