British actress Joan Plowright, a celebrated star of theatre and film, has died at the age of 95.
Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, at Denville Hall, surrounded by loved ones.
“It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully… at the glorious age of 95,” the statement read. “Her brilliant career will be remembered by many, her wonderful being always cherished by her children Richard, Tamsin, and Julie-Kate, their families, and Joan’s many friends.”
Plowright was one of the most respected actors of her time, excelling both on stage and in films. Early in her career, she performed alongside her husband, the legendary Laurence Olivier, often on the stage.
Her acting journey began in 1954 in London. She gained recognition two years later, eventually catching Olivier’s attention during a production of The Entertainer in 1957. This led to their marriage in 1961, after Olivier divorced his wife, Vivien Leigh.
Speaking about her relationship with Olivier, Plowright once said, “It was momentous, earth-shattering for me… It was a great privilege to share in his life, as well as a bit of a nightmare.”
Despite comparisons with Leigh, Plowright noted, “It wasn’t as though I was competing with her. It might sound arrogant, but I didn’t really think much about it.”
While much of her career was on stage, Plowright became a familiar face in films later in life. She earned critical acclaim for her roles in Enchanted April (1991) and Tea with Mussolini (1999), and won two Golden Globes in 1993 for Enchanted April and the HBO series Stalin.
Plowright also appeared in popular films such as Dennis the Menace, Last Action Hero, and 101 Dalmatians, connecting with younger audiences.
In her later years, Plowright faced health challenges, including macular degeneration, which led to blindness. She retired from acting in 2014.
Reflecting on her career, she said, “It is a wrench, but everybody has to make [this decision] sometime in their life. When you’ve had a very good life and been lucky, which I have, well, you say, ‘It’s my turn now.’”
Plowright’s contributions to theatre were immense, with standout performances such as Saint Joan at London’s Old Vic in 1963. “That is the sort of part that all young women want to play,” she once said.
Her children, Richard, Tamsin, and Julie-Kate, and countless admirers worldwide, remember her for her talent, warmth, and dedication to the arts.
