Who was Dame Joan Plowright’s husband Laurence Olivier and when did he marry the actress?
DAME Joan Plowright was married to one of the most renowned actors of all time — Lawrence Olivier.
Joan sadly passed away surrounded by her family on January 16, 2025.
A family statement said: “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.
“The family are deeply grateful to Jean Wilson and all those involved in her personal care over many years.
“Joan is survived by her loving family: Tamsin and Wilf, Julie-Kate and Dan, Richard, Shelley, Troy, Ali, Jeremy, step-granddaughter and great granddaughter Kaya and Sophia, and great grand-daughter soon to arrive.
“The family ask you to please respect their request for privacy at this time.
Who was Laurence Olivier?
Dame Joan Plowright’s husband, Laurence Olivier, was one of the most celebrated actors of the 20th century.
He was a towering figure in British theatre and cinema, known for his exceptional performances in Shakespearean roles and his contributions to the National Theatre.
Marriage
Laurence Olivier married Joan Plowright on March 17, 1961, in New York.
Richard Burton was the famous actor’s best man.
Their wedding was a sensation of the year, marking the beginning of an enduring marriage that lasted until Olivier’s death in 1989.
The couple’s relationship garnered extensive media coverage, particularly due to the end of Olivier’s previous marriage to actress Vivien Leigh.
More to follow…