Laurence Kerr Olivier
- Born:
- 22 May 1907, Dorking, Surrey, England
- Died:
- 11 July 1989, Steyning, West Sussex, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Director, Producer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Reverend Gerard Kerr Olivier and Agnes Louise (née Crookenden).
- Educated at St Edward's School, Oxford.
- Studied acting at the Central School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his stage career in 1925.
- Joined the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1926.
- Achieved international recognition for his performances in Shakespearean roles.
- Directed and starred in film adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, including Hamlet (1948) and Richard III (1955).
- Served as the first director of the National Theatre of Great Britain (1963-1973).
- Received numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. The extensive collection of resources regarding his life, including a typical "laurence olivier imdb biography on bradford", confirms his enormous impact.
Notable Works
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1939 | Wuthering Heights | Heathcliff |
| 1940 | Rebecca | Maxim de Winter |
| 1944 | Henry V | King Henry V |
| 1948 | Hamlet | Hamlet |
| 1955 | Richard III | Richard III |
| 1976 | Marathon Man | Dr. Christian Szell |
Stage
- Hamlet
- Richard III
- Othello
- King Lear
- Macbeth
Legacy and Impact
Laurence Olivier is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. His performances and film adaptations of Shakespeare's plays brought classic works to a wider audience. He significantly influenced acting techniques and remains a source of inspiration for actors today.