# Vivien Leigh

> British actress

**Wikidata**: [Q129429](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q129429)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivien_Leigh)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vivien-leigh

## Summary
Vivien Leigh was a British actress known for her iconic roles in films and stage productions. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in *Gone with the Wind* (1939) and was also recognized with a Tony Award for her work in theater. Her career spanned over three decades, making her one of the most celebrated actresses of her time.

## Biography
- Born: November 5, 1913, in Dartmouth, Devon, England
- Nationality: British
- Education: Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (1932–1934)
- Known for: Her groundbreaking performances in film and theater, including *Gone with the Wind* and *A Streetcar Named Desire*
- Employer(s): Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, various film studios
- Field(s): Acting

## Contributions
- **Academy Award for Best Actress (1940)**: Won for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in *Gone with the Wind*, becoming the first British actress to achieve this honor.
- **Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (1951)**: Awarded for her performance in *A Streetcar Named Desire* on Broadway.
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)**: Received a star for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
- **Volpi Cup for Best Actress (1952)**: Won for her role in *A Streetcar Named Desire* at the Venice Film Festival.

## FAQs
**What was Vivien Leigh's most famous role?**
Vivien Leigh is best known for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in *Gone with the Wind* (1939), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and cemented her as a Hollywood icon.

**Where did Vivien Leigh study acting?**
She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where she honed her skills before transitioning to film and theater.

**Did Vivien Leigh win any awards for her stage performances?**
Yes, she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in *A Streetcar Named Desire* (1951) on Broadway.

**What other notable awards did Vivien Leigh receive?**
She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her performance in *A Streetcar Named Desire*.

## Why They Matter
Vivien Leigh's career revolutionized the perception of British actresses in Hollywood, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Her performances in *Gone with the Wind* and *A Streetcar Named Desire* set new standards for dramatic acting, influencing countless actors and filmmakers. Her legacy endures in the annals of cinema and theater, where she is remembered as a trailblazer whose work continues to inspire.

## Notable For
- First British actress to win an Academy Award for Best Actress
- Tony Award winner for her Broadway performance in *A Streetcar Named Desire*
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Volpi Cup winner at the Venice Film Festival
- Iconic roles in *Gone with the Wind* and *A Streetcar Named Desire*

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Vivien Leigh was born on November 5, 1913, in Dartmouth, Devon, England. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where she studied under renowned teachers, including Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Her training laid the foundation for her future success in both film and theater.

### Career Beginnings
Leigh made her professional debut in 1935 with a role in the film *The Man Who Could Work Miracles*. Her early work included supporting roles in British productions, where she gained recognition for her natural acting abilities.

### Breakthrough in Hollywood
Her career took a major turn with her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in *Gone with the Wind* (1939). The film was a massive success, and Leigh's performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first British actress to achieve this honor. This role solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

### Stage Performances and Awards
Leigh transitioned to Broadway, where she starred in *A Streetcar Named Desire* (1951). Her performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, further cementing her reputation as a versatile performer. She also won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in the same production.

### Later Career and Legacy
Throughout her career, Leigh continued to take on challenging roles, demonstrating her range as an actress. She remained active in both film and theater until her passing on July 8, 1967. Her contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of actors.

### Personal Life and Recognition
Leigh was married to actor Laurence Olivier, with whom she had two children. Her personal life was as notable as her professional achievements, and she was widely respected for her talent and professionalism. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honors her enduring legacy in the industry.

## References

1. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. The Peerage
5. Source
6. datos.bne.es
7. [RADA Student & graduate profiles](https://www.rada.ac.uk/profiles?aos=acting&yr=1934&fn=vivian&sn=hartley)
8. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1940)
9. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1952)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. CiNii Research
13. MusicBrainz
14. SNAC
15. Internet Broadway Database
16. Find a Grave
17. FemBio database
18. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
19. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
20. GeneaStar
21. Roglo
22. A historical dictionary of British women
23. Vivien Leigh. Integrated Authority File
24. Discogs
25. filmportal.de
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. CONOR.SI
28. Autoritats UB
29. BBC Things
30. Quora
31. The Movie Database
32. Golden
33. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
34. performing-arts.ch