Person    | Male  Born 22/5/1907  Died 11/7/1989

Laurence Olivier, Baron Olivier

Born Dorking, Surrey, as Laurence Kerr Olivier. With his wife Vivien Leigh, he managed the St James's Theatre from 1950 to its closure in 1957. Founding Director of the National Theatre, 1963 - 1973. Baron Olivier of Brighton. The Olivier cigarette brand was a paid endorsement deal with Gallaghers (see also Du Maurier).

His filmed 'Henry V' of 1944 may be one of the best known Shakespearian roles. When the figure on Henry’s tomb in Westminster Abbey was renovated in 1971 the head and hands were replaced and tradition has it that the hands were modelled on Olivier’s. 

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Laurence Olivier, Baron Olivier

Commemorated ati

Laurence Olivier statue

Unveiled by Sir Richard Attenborough, Larry‘s son, Tarquin and widow, Joan Pl...

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St James's Theatre - Olivier relief

We choose this as our featured memorial in March 2007 since this year sees th...

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St James's Theatre - SWET

Theatreland - heart of the performing arts in London. St James's Theatre O...

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Other Subjects

Surrey County Cinema

Surrey County Cinema

Originally called the Surrey County Theatre, it was renamed as a cinema in 1929, and in 1947, it became the 'Gaumont'. The auditorium has since been demolished, but the entrance and foyer were reta...

Building, Architecture, Cinema

1 memorial
Ivor Novello

Ivor Novello

Composer, singer and actor-manager. Born David Ivor Davies in Cardiff. Wrote 'Keep the Home Fires Burning', a big success in WW1. Appeared in over 20 movies. Worked at Gainsborough Film Studios. Br...

Person, Cinema, Music / songs, Theatre, Wales

2 memorials
Cecil Hepworth

Cecil Hepworth

British film pioneer in the silent era. Born 12 Beaufort (now Somerset) Gardens, Lewisham. Father was a Victorian magic lanternist. Died at home at 211 Eastcote Road, Ruislip. Caroline's Miscellany...

Person, Cinema

3 memorials
Robert Donat

Robert Donat

Actor. Born in Manchester.

Person, Cinema

1 memorial
Boris Karloff

Boris Karloff

Actor. Born as William Henry Pratt at the house with the plaque. His acting career began in the theatre in Canada, where he adopted his stage name. Arriving in Hollywood he appeared in dozens of si...

Person, Cinema, Seriously Famous, Theatre, TV & Radio, Canada, USA

1 memorial