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The life of 'Gone with the Wind' star Vivien Leigh (†53) was marked by ups and downs. Her life was not what you would expect from a movie star.
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Actress Vivien Leigh was born in India in 1913. When she was six years old, she was sent to England by her wealthy parents to attend a convent school.
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Vivien Leigh was an incredibly diligent student, engaging in multiple artistic pursuits. She actively participated in a theater group, showcased her talent as a cellist in the school orchestra, and dedicated herself to ballet and piano lessons.
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At the young age of 19, Vivien Leigh tied the knot with the lawyer Leigh Holman. Just a year later, they welcomed their daughter Suzanne into the world.
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Vivien Leigh's passion for acting clashed with the desires of her husband. He wished for her to take on fewer acting jobs and prioritize her role as a housewife and mother. However, her enthusiasm for her craft prevailed, leading to tension within their relationship.
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Vivien Leigh considered giving up acting to become a housewife out of the question. In 1938, she traveled to Hollywood where she crossed paths with Laurence Olivier during filming.
In that same year, Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier officially became a couple, leading to Leigh's separation from her husband. She moved in with Olivier, as depicted in the accompanying photo. During this time, Leigh's mother took on the responsibility of caring for her daughter Suzanne.
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In the USA she was introduced to the producer of 'Gone with the Wind', who immediately took a liking to the actress.
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Vivien Leigh underwent intensive preparation for her role as "Scarlett O'Hara", which included taking speech lessons to acquire a Southern accent and receiving singing lessons.
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The film premiered in 1939, catapulting Vivien Leigh to overnight stardom. 'Gone with the Wind' remains the most commercially successful film of all time.
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Despite her breakthrough, Vivien Leigh had the feeling that she was not her husband Olivier's equal. Due to the competitive situation, she became manic-depressive and increasingly distanced herself.
The life of Vivien Leigh, the star of 'Gone with the Wind,' was filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Her portrayal of "Scarlett" brought her international acclaim and marked her breakthrough. However, contrary to the glamorous expectations associated with movie stars, Leigh's life was far from idyllic.
With which the British theater and film actress has had to deal with. you can find out now.