Iconic British Actor Joan Plowright, Widow of Laurence Olivier, Dies at 95

LONDON — Joan Plowright, a much-loved British actor and the wife of well-known actor Laurence Olivier, has died at 95 years old. 

Her family shared the news on Friday. They said she passed away the day before at Denville Hall, a home for retired actors in England. She was with her family when she died.  

“Joan had a great career in acting for over 70 years. She had to stop when she lost her eyesight,” her family said. “We are very proud of all she did and the caring, loving person she was.”  

Joan was part of a group of amazing actors, like Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. She won big awards for her acting and was made a "Dame" by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004.  

From the 1950s to the 1980s, Joan acted in many plays, including *The Seagull* and *The Merchant of Venice*. She also starred in *The Chairs* and *Saint Joan*.  

She worked with famous writers and acted with great actors like Albert Finney and Anthony Hopkins.  

In 2010, Joan talked about how much she loved acting. She said, “I feel lucky to have lived this life. It’s magical when the lights come on, and the story begins.” 

Joan Plowright, Famous Actress, Dies at 95

Joan Plowright, a famous British actress, has passed away at the age of 95. She died on Thursday in England at a special home for retired actors. Her daughter, Julie-Kate, said Joan was surrounded by her family when she passed away.

Joan’s Career

Joan was married to Laurence Olivier, one of the most famous actors in Britain, but she was also a star on her own. She won an award in 1960 for her role in a play called A Taste of Honey. Later, in 1991, she was nominated for a big award called an Oscar for her role in a movie called Enchanted April. In 1993, Joan won two Golden Globe awards in one night for her acting in Enchanted April and Stalin.

Joan’s Early Life

Joan was born on October 28, 1929, in a town called Brigg, England. She grew up in a town called Scunthorpe. Her dad worked for a newspaper, and her mom loved acting. Joan started acting in school plays and knew she wanted to be an actress.

In 1948, she began acting on stage. Later, she went to a special school in London to learn more about acting. She became famous for her roles in many plays like The Country Wife and The Crucible.

Meeting Laurence Olivier

In 1956, Joan met Laurence Olivier, one of the best actors in Britain. He saw her act in a play and later married her in 1961. They worked together in many plays and movies, including The Entertainer.

Acting in Movies

Joan was in many movies. In Equus (1977), she played a mother, and in 101 Dalmatians (1996), she played a kind nanny. She was also in Dennis the Menace (1993), where she played a nice lady named Mrs. Wilson.

Later, she was in movies like Tea with Mussolini (1999) and Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont (2005). In her last roles, she was in magical movies like The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008).

Later Years

Joan stopped acting in 2014 because she could not see well anymore. In 2018, she appeared in a movie called Tea with the Dames with other famous actresses like Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

In 2004, Joan was given a special honor by the British royal family and was called a "Dame" for her hard work as an actress.

Family

Joan had three children: Julie-Kate, Richard, and Tamsin. She also had four grandchildren.

Joan believed that being happy takes work, but it is worth it. She will always be remembered for her kindness and amazing talent as an actress.