Vivien Leigh - Classic Movie Goddess Of The Month Part 2

Here are some interesting facts about Vivien:

Birth name: Vivian Mary Hartley

The producer of the 1935 play "The Mask of Virtue" suggested to her that she change the 'a' in her first name to an 'e' from "Vivian" to "Vivien."

Suffered from manic depression.


A heavy smoker, Leigh was smoking almost four packs a day during filming of Gone with the Wind (1939).

Laurence Olivier's first wife, Jill Esmond, named Vivien as co-respondent in her February 1940 divorce from Olivier on grounds of adultery. Vivien would name Joan Plowright - Olivier's next and last wife - as co-respondent in her 1960 divorce from Olivier, also on grounds of adultery.

Married Laurence Olivier at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara on August 31st, 1940, with Katharine Hepburn as maid of honor; they honeymooned on actor Ronald Colman's yacht.
A lover of cats, especially Siamese.

Her favorite role was that of Myra Lester, which she played in Waterloo Bridge (1940).

Was offered the supporting role of Isabella in Wuthering Heights (1939), but decided to gamble and hold out for the lead role of Cathy. Director William Wyler thought she was crazy to pass up the opportunity, telling her, "You will never get a better part than Isabella for an American debut." Shortly after, she landed the plum role of Scarlett O'Hara.

Spouses:


Laurence Olivier (31 August 1940 - 6 January 1961) (divorced)

Herbert Leigh Holman (20 December 1932 - 19 February 1940) (divorced) 1 child

Was named #16 Actress on The American Film Institutes 50 Greatest Screen Legends


Eventually, Vivien needed shock therapy to control her manic depression. Sometimes she would go on stage just hours after her treatments, without missing a beat in her performance.


Gave birth to her daughter, Suzanne Farrington, during her marriage to Herbert Leigh Holman.

Was obsessed with hiding her large hands. Gloves were a favorite cover-up, she owned more than 150 pairs.

The nickname Vivling was given to her by her father. It's a combination of her name and the word darling.


Was the first British actress to win an Academy Award. She won the Best Actress Oscar for Gone with the Wind (1939) in February 1940.


As of 2008, she is only one of six actors who have a 2-0 winning record when nominated for an acting Oscar. The others are Luise Rainer for The Great Ziegfeld (1936) and The Good Earth (1937); Helen Hayes for The Sin of Madelon Claudet (1931) and Airport (1970); Sally Field for Norma Rae (1979) and Places in the Heart (1984); Kevin Spacey for The Usual Suspects (1995) and American Beauty (1999); and Hilary Swank for Boys Don't Cry (1999) and Million Dollar Baby (2004).