Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind

Vivien Leigh | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 17, 2025

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Who is Vivien Leigh?

Vivien Leigh was an iconic British actress, widely celebrated for her powerful performances on both stage and screen. Born Vivian Mary Hartley on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, India, she changed her name after marrying lawyer Leigh Holman. Leigh achieved international fame for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in the monumental film "Gone with the Wind," directed by David O. Selznick. This groundbreaking performance not only won her an Academy Award but also solidified her place in cinematic history, as the film remains one of the most acclaimed in Hollywood.

Throughout her career, Leigh showcased her immense talent by embracing complex roles that resonated with audiences. Her portrayal of Blanche Du Bois in Tennessee Williams's "A Streetcar Named Desire" earned her a second Academy Award and is often regarded as one of her finest performances. Despite her professional success, Leigh faced significant challenges in her personal life, battling manic depression and tuberculosis, which impacted her health and relationships. Her tumultuous marriage to fellow actor Laurence Olivier added to her struggles, yet she continued to captivate audiences with her performances until her untimely death on July 8, 1967.

Early Life and Education

Vivien Leigh, born Vivian Mary Hartley on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, India, was the daughter of an English stockbroker and his Irish wife. At the age of six, her family returned to England, marking the beginning of her formal education. Leigh showcased her early ambition when, at just seven years old, she declared to her schoolmate Maureen O'Sullivan that she intended to become famous. This declaration would serve as a prelude to her illustrious acting career, although she would later adopt a stage name that reflected her artistic persona.

Her education spanned multiple countries, with Leigh attending schools in England, France, Italy, and Germany. These experiences not only broadened her cultural horizons but also led her to become fluent in French and Italian. At 16, she pursued her passion for acting by enrolling in the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. This foundation in dramatic arts would serve her well as she later transitioned into acting professionally. However, at 19, Leigh temporarily halted her career ambitions to marry lawyer Leigh Holman and raise their daughter. During this period, she redefined herself by changing her name to Vivien Leigh, setting the stage for her future successes.

Acting Career Beginnings in 1935

Vivien Leigh’s entry into the world of acting began in 1935, marking the start of her illustrious career. Her onstage debut came with the play "The Bash," which, despite its lack of commercial success, caught the attention of producer Sydney Carroll. This initial exposure led to her first London stage role, helping Leigh gain valuable experience that would serve her well in her future endeavors. The same year also saw her film debut in "Things Are Looking Up," where Leigh’s charm and talent began to emerge, setting the groundwork for her ascendancy in the theatrical and cinematic arena.

Although her early roles pigeonholed her as a mere coquette, Leigh was determined to evolve as an actress. She began to take on more complex characters while performing in Shakespearean plays at the Old Vic Theatre in London. It was here that she crossed paths with Laurence Olivier, igniting a passionate and collaborative relationship that would greatly shape her career. Their shared experiences in both film and theater showcased Leigh's versatility and dedication to her craft, elevating her status in the industry and setting the stage for her monumental breakout role in "Gone with the Wind".

Career Success with Gone with the Wind

Vivien Leigh's career skyrocketed with her unforgettable performance as Scarlett O'Hara in the epic film "Gone with the Wind." Directed by David O. Selznick, the film was one of the most anticipated projects in Hollywood history, and Leigh's portrayal of the complex Southern belle left an indelible mark on cinema. Despite being largely unknown at the time, her captivating screen test secured her the iconic role, which would ultimately earn her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film's astounding box office success and critical acclaim solidified her place in film history, making "Gone with the Wind" a timeless classic.

Following her triumph in "Gone with the Wind," Vivien Leigh's career flourished as she became a sought-after leading lady, drawing attention for her intense performances on stage and screen. She showcased her remarkable range in Shakespearean plays and prominent dramas, collaborating extensively with renowned actors and directors. However, it was her portrayal of Blanche Du Bois in Tennessee Williams's "A Streetcar Named Desire" that brought her additional acclaim, earning her a second Academy Award. Leigh's ability to convey vulnerability and turmoil in her characters resonated deeply with audiences, allowing her to remain a powerful figure in the performing arts throughout her career despite her personal struggles.

Declining Health and Personal Struggles

Vivien Leigh's declining health began to manifest publicly in the 1940s, after a tragic miscarriage during a rehearsal for "Caesar and Cleopatra" in 1944. This incident marked the start of a downward spiral, as her mental health deteriorated significantly. She struggled with insomnia, bipolar disorder, and a respiratory illness diagnosed as tuberculosis. Attempts to seek treatment through early forms of electroshock therapy often left her with physical scars and compounded her emotional turmoil, leading to increased alcohol consumption. These challenges profoundly affected her personal life and career, making it increasingly difficult for her to maintain a steady acting schedule.

Despite these personal struggles, Leigh continued to pursue high-profile roles in theater and film. The pressures of her mental health issues occasionally forced her to take breaks from performing, yet she still delivered memorable performances. Her portrayal of Blanche Du Bois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1949) showcased her talent and mirrored her own internal chaos. However, such intense roles seemed to exacerbate her struggles, a reality that became painfully evident when feelings of despair intensified after her marriage to fellow actor Laurence Olivier ended in 1960. Ultimately, the combination of health issues and personal turmoil would shadow her illustrious career, leading to a premature end to her time in the spotlight.

Personal Life: Marriage, Divorce, and Relationships

Vivien Leigh's personal life was as dramatic and tumultuous as her on-screen performances. After marrying lawyer Leigh Holman at the age of 19 and giving birth to a daughter, she found herself transitioning into her new identity as an actress. The marriage, however, was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1940, enabling her to marry British acting legend Laurence Olivier shortly thereafter. Their marriage was characterized by a passionate love affair that became the envy of many within the industry. Together, they collaborated on numerous theatrical productions and films, solidifying their status as a formidable power couple in Hollywood.

While Leigh and Olivier were celebrated for their talents, their marriage was not without challenges. Leigh’s struggles with bipolar disorder began to take a toll on both her mental health and their relationship. Following a series of personal tragedies, including multiple miscarriages, the couple's bond became strained. By 1960, their marriage ended in divorce, largely influenced by Leigh's ongoing battle with her mental illness and Olivier's eventual search for a more stable life. The end of their marriage marked a significant turning point in Leigh's life, yet she continued to seek love and solace, eventually moving in with younger actor Jack Merivale, who provided her with companionship during her later years.

Net Worth and Earning: Wealth from Acting

Vivien Leigh, renowned for her iconic roles in film and theater, experienced significant financial success throughout her career. While exact figures regarding her net worth during her lifetime are difficult to pinpoint due to the fluctuating value of currency and the variability in salary structures at the time, it is widely recognized that her performances, especially in groundbreaking films like "Gone with the Wind" and "A Streetcar Named Desire," contributed immensely to her wealth. Leigh's investment in her craft and her commitment to high-quality projects typically translated into lucrative contracts, reflecting her rising star status in the entertainment industry.

Leigh's wealth was further enhanced by her collaborations with some of the most respected directors and actors of her time, including Laurence Olivier, whom she married. Their partnership not only amplified her public profile but also opened doors to numerous prestigious roles across both stage and screen, often commanding high salaries. In addition to her film earnings, Leigh made a mark in theater, where she received critical acclaim and enhanced her financial standing through successful runs of productions on both sides of the Atlantic. Even in her later years, she maintained her status as a sought-after actress, contributing to her overall wealth and legacy in the arts.