Actress Joan Plowright has died at the age of 95: a legendary career between theatre and film

Widow of Sir Laurence Olivier, Plowright left an indelible mark on the international theatre and film scene

British actress Joan Plowright, one of the most acclaimed stars of stage and screen, has died at the age of 95 in the Denville Hall retirement home for actors in Northwood, London. The news was announced by her family in an official statement, which noted that Plowright passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday 16 January.

Born on 28 October 1929 in Brigg, Lincolnshire, Joan Plowright had a career spanning seven decades, which saw her stand out in theatre, film and television. Her theatre career has been intrinsically linked to the National Theatre and has ranged from the great classics to modern plays, with memorable performances in Shakespeare, Shaw and De Filippo. Her partnership with her husband, Sir Laurence Olivier, was one of the most celebrated artistic couples in British theatre.

In film, Plowright earned an Oscar nomination for the film ‘Un incantevole aprile’ (1991) and starred in numerous hits, including ‘Equus’ (1977), ‘Avalon’ (1990) and ‘Un incantevole aprile’. Her ability to range between dramatic and comic roles, with a particular predilection for costume films, also allowed her to distinguish herself in Hollywood and international productions.

In addition to her success as an actress, Plowright was also a prominent figure in the world of theatre culture, holding the title ‘Lady Olivier’ after her marriage to Laurence Olivier in 1961. The couple had three children, also actors, and Plowright maintained a solid and respected career until her retirement due to blindness in the last years of her life.

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