Vivien Leigh: A Biography

Introduction
"Vivien Leigh: A Biography" is an intimate portrayal of the life and also job of renowned British actress Vivien Leigh, written by Anne Edwards as well as released in 1977. The book gives a thorough account of Leigh's personal and specialist life, her relationships, as well as her resolution to succeed despite the several barriers she faced along the road. Edwards has gathered substantial details on Leigh's occupation, amassed through interviews with her close friends, household, and coworkers, along with thorough research on her public as well as private life.

Early Life as well as Career
Vivien Leigh was born Vivian Mary Hartley on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, India, where her papa was pointed as a cavalry police officer. She grew up in a fortunate atmosphere, and her love for the executing arts appeared from a young age. At age 6, she saw her very first play as well as chose that she wanted to become an actress.

In the early 1930s, Leigh moved to London as well as enrolled in the respected Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to research acting. She satisfied as well as married Herbert Leigh in 1932, taking his surname as her stage name, and also the couple had a child, Suzanne, in 1933.

Regardless of her marital relationship and also young household, Leigh was established to pursue her acting job. She appeared in numerous phase productions and also small film functions prior to landing the part that would drive her to fame - in the film adjustment of Margaret Mitchell's unique "Gone with the Wind".

Chosen the Wind and the Height of Fame
Leigh's development role can be found in 1939, playing Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind". She won the part after a long, extensive search by the manufacturers, that evaluated over 1,400 starlets for the duty. Her portrayal of the strong-willed, manipulative Scarlett O'Hara gained Leigh her very first Academy Award for Best Actress and also catapulted her to worldwide stardom.

After the success of "Gone with the Wind", Leigh remained to work in film and theater, earning vital acclaim for her efficiencies. However, her individual life was troubled during this time around. She separated her other half Herbert in 1940 as well as began an affair with acclaimed British star Laurence Olivier, whom she married in 1941.

Collaboration with Laurence Olivier
Leigh and Olivier's expert collaboration confirmed to be equally as successful as their individual one. The pair showed up together in numerous stage manufacturings and film adjustments, consisting of "Romeo as well as Juliet" (1940) and also "That Hamilton Woman" (1941). They also developed their cinema firm, where they produced and also starred in timeless plays, such as "Macbeth" (1955) and "Titanic" (1956). By now, Leigh and Olivier were the golden number of British performing, gaining accolades and adoration for their work both on stage as well as display.

Personal Struggles as well as Later Career
Despite her immense success, Leigh struggled with her mental and physical health and wellness. She dealt with bipolar illness, which brought about periods of mania and anxiety that affected her work and also relationships. Olivier frequently birthed the impact of her state of mind swings, as did her closest pals as well as associates.

Along with her psychological health and wellness issues, Leigh was diagnosed with tuberculosis in the very early 1950s. Though she continued to work throughout her health problem, it at some point took a toll on her occupation.

Leigh's tumultuous connection with Olivier additionally started to unwind. The couple divorced in 1960, and Olivier wed starlet Joan Plowright soon after. The separation deeply influenced Leigh, both psychologically and expertly.

Despite her individual struggles, Leigh remained to work, earning her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her efficiency as Blanche DuBois in the movie adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951). She showed up in several more movies and also stage manufacturings before her health and wellness swiftly decreased in 1967.

Death and also Legacy
Vivien Leigh died on July 8, 1967, due to difficulties from consumption. She was 53 years old. Though her life was stuffed with difficulties and difficulties, she left behind an indisputable legacy as one of one of the most talented starlets of her time. Anne Edwards' bio supplies an interesting and delicate evaluation of Leigh's life, giving engaging understandings right into her commitment to her craft, her connections, as well as her fight with mental disease (bipolar illness).