Joan Plowright, the legendary actress who was instrumental in reviving British theater and worked with her husband Laurence Olivier, has died. She was 95 years old.
Death Information:
Plowright’s family said in a statement on Friday that she died on Thursday at Danville Hall, a retirement home for retired artists in southern England. Her family was with her in her last moments.
Family Tribute:
“Joan had a long and successful career spanning seven decades in theatre, film and television. Blindness led to her retirement, but her contribution will always be something we will be proud of,” the family said.
A key figure in a generation of great actresses:
Joan Plowright was part of a unique generation of actors on the British stage, including Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Eileen Atkins and Maggie Smith. She won a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and was nominated for an Oscar and an Emmy. In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II honored her with the title of Dame.
Early life and career:
Joan was born in Brigg, Lincolnshire. Her mother connected her with theater from childhood. She studied at the Laban Art of Movement Studio in Manchester and later at the Old Vic Theater Drama School in London.
Joan Plowright, who made her London stage debut in 1954, joined the Royal Court Theater in 1956. She starred in many famous plays, such as Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, and George Bernard Shaw’s St. Joan.
Film and acting:
Joan’s film journey began in 1956 with Moby Dick, directed by John Huston. She starred opposite Laurence Olivier in the 1960 film The Entertainer. She then married Olivier in 1961.
Important fame:
In 1993, Joan earned an Oscar nomination for Enchanted April and made history by winning two Golden Globes at the same time. Her performance earned her a place of honor in Hollywood and British cinema.
Late Contributions:
After Olivier’s death (1989), Plowright took her career to new heights at the age of 60. She acted in films like Jane Eyre, Surviving Picasso, 101 Dalmatians.
Memorial tribute:
Theaters in London’s West End will be lit up for two minutes in her honor at 7pm on Tuesday.
Family and heirs:
Joan Plowright is survived by her three children Tamsin, Richard, and Julie-Kat, and grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her great career and loving personality.
