Olivier also received the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor, highlighting the mixed reception of some of his later works.
He was appointed to the Order of Merit in 1981, one of the highest honors in the UK, for his services to the arts.
Laurence Olivier was a celebrated English actor and director, known for his significant contributions to theatre and film from 1907 to 1989.
Biography
Early Life
Laurence Kerr Olivier was born on May 22, 1907, in Dorking, Surrey, as the youngest of three children to Reverend Gerard Kerr Olivier and Agnes Louise Crookenden. His upbringing was marked by his father's religious vocation, which led to a nomadic lifestyle that prevented Olivier from forming lasting friendships in his early years. However, stability came when his father secured a permanent position as assistant rector at St Saviour's, Pimlico, allowing Olivier to develop a closer bond with his family, particularly his mother.
Career
Olivier's illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most prominent figures in British theatre and film. He was part of a celebrated quartet of actors alongside John Gielgud, Michael Redgrave, and Ralph Richardson, dominating the British stage in the mid-20th century. Olivier's filmography includes over fifty roles, with notable performances in adaptations of Shakespeare and classic literature, such as his acclaimed portrayals in "Henry V" and "Hamlet." He also made significant contributions to television later in his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor and director.
Legacy
Olivier's impact on the arts was recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Academy Award for Best Actor and a BAFTA Fellowship. He was knighted in 1947 and later became a life peer as Baron Olivier in 1970. His contributions to theatre and film earned him accolades from various institutions, including honorary doctorates from prestigious universities. Olivier's legacy continues to influence actors and directors, solidifying his status as a titan of the performing arts.
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Discography
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol1996
- 1.Gloucestershire Wassail3:04
- 2.A Christmas Carol, Part 112:07
- 3.A Christmas Carol, Part 211:37
- 4.Good King Wenceslas3:32
Henry V: Scenes from the film1947
- 1.Henry V - London, 16002:56
- 2.Henry V - The Globe theatre1:20
- 3.Henry V - Prologue 'O for a muse of fire'1:37
- 4.Henry V - 'Once more unto the breach'3:08
- 5.Henry V - 'Now entertain conjecture of a time'3:23
- 6.Henry V - 'But if the cause be not good'1:07
- 7.Henry V - 'Upon the king!'3:22
- 8.Henry V - 'This day is called the Feast of Crispian'2:50
- 9.Henry V - 'Once more I come to know of thee1:52
- 10.Henry V - The Battle of Agincourt4:49
- 11.Henry V - 'My duty to you both, on equal love'3:37
- 12.Henry V - 'Thus far, with rough and all-unable pen'0:39
- 13.Henry V - Madrigal1:18
- 14.Henry V - Agincourt song2:18
Scenes from Henry V / Richard III and Henry V Suites / "Spitfire" Prelude and Fugue
- 1.Richard III: Prelude7:36
- 2.Richard III: 1. Fanfare0:31
- 3.Richard III: 2. Music plays1:30
- 4.Richard III: 3. The Princes in the Tower2:17
- 5.Richard III: 4. With drums and colours1:24
- 6.Richard III: 5. I would I knew thy heart3:27
- 7.Richard III: 6. Trumpets sound1:18
- 8.Henry V Suite: 1. Overture: The Globe Playhouse2:13
- 9.Henry V Suite: 2. Passacaglia: The Death of Falstaff2:59
- 10.Henry V Suite: 3. Charge and Battle5:48
- 11.Henry V Suite: 4. Touch her soft lips and part1:36
- 12.Henry V Suite: 5. Agincourt Song2:38
- 13."Spitfire" Prelude and Fugue: 1. Prelude3:46
- 14."Spitfire" Prelude and Fugue: 2. Fugue4:18
- 15.Henry V, Scenes: London, 16002:56
- 16.Henry V, Scenes: The Globe Theatre1:20
- 17.Henry V, Scenes: Prologue (Chorus): 'O for a muse of fire'1:37
- 18.Henry V, Scenes: Speech before Harfleur (King) Henry: 'Once more unto the breach'3:08
- 19.Henry V, Scenes: Prologue to Act IV (Chorus): 'Now entertain conjecture of a time'3:23
- 20.Henry V, Scenes: Night before the Battle: 'But if the cause be not good'1:07
- 21.Henry V, Scenes: Night before the Battle: 'Upon the king!'3:22
- 22.Henry V, Scenes: 'This day is called the Feast of Crispian'2:50
- 23.Henry V, Scenes: 'Once more I come to know of thee, King Harry'1:52
- 24.Henry V, Scenes: The Battle of Agincourt4:49
- 25.Henry V, Scenes: 'My duty to you both, on equal love'3:37
- 26.Henry V, Scenes: Epilogue: 'Thus far, with rough and all-unable pen'0:39
- 27.Henry V, Scenes: Madrigal1:18
- 28.Henry V, Scenes: Agincourt Song2:18
A Christmas Carol2007
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Achievements
- Award
- BAFTA Fellowship
- Award
- Academy Award for Best Actor
- Award
- Albert Medal
- Award
- Academy Honorary Award
- Award
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Award
- Feltrinelli Prize
- Award
- Sonning Prize
- Award
- Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor - Razzie Award
- Award
- Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor
- Award
- National Board of Review Award for Best Film
- Award
- Knight Bachelor
- Award
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
- Award
- Order of Merit
- Award
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Award
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Award
- Donaldson Awards
- Award
- Society of London Theatre Special Award
- Award
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture
- Award
- David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actor
- Award
- David di Donatello for best foreign production
- Award
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
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Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Laurence Kerr Olivier
Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier was an English actor and director. He and his contemporaries John Gielgud, Michael Redgrave and Ralph Richardson made up a quartet of male actors who dominated the British stage of the mid-20th century. He also worked in films throughout his career, playing more than fifty cinema roles in a career spanning six decades. Late in his career, Olivier had considerable success in television roles.
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