Olivia De Havilland was one of the greatest actresses of the golden age of Hollywood who captivated audiences with her stunning performances and classic beauty. With a career spanning over five decades, she was a trailblazer in the film industry, winning two Academy Awards and making history with her landmark lawsuit against her studio that changed the contracts of Hollywood actors forever.
Born in Tokyo on July 1, 1916, to British parents, Olivia De Havilland was raised in California where her family moved when she was still a child. She made her screen debut in 1935 and quickly became a rising star with her roles in iconic films like Gone with the Wind, The Adventures of Robin Hood, and The Heiress.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks in her personal life, Olivia remained a formidable force in Hollywood and continued to act well into her 90s. Today, she is fondly remembered as a true Hollywood legend and a symbol of strength, grace and elegance.
This comprehensive biography will delve into the fascinating life of Olivia De Havilland, including details about her age, height, figure, and net worth, as well as exploring the many achievements and challenges she faced throughout her remarkable career.
Olivia De Havilland: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life:
Olivia De Havilland was born on July 1, 1916, in Tokyo, Japan, to British parents. Her family moved to California when she was a child. She attended Los Gatos High School and later Santa Clara University.
Acting Career:
De Havilland's acting career began in 1935, when she signed a contract with Warner Bros. She gained critical acclaim for her roles in "Gone with the Wind" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood." She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performances in "To Each His Own" and "The Heiress."
Personal Life:
De Havilland was married twice, first to Marcus Goodrich, an author, and later to Pierre Galante, a journalist. She had two children with Goodrich. De Havilland was also known for her feud with her sister, Joan Fontaine, which lasted for decades.
Legacy:
De Havilland was known for her beauty, talent, and commitment to her craft. She was a trailblazer for women in Hollywood, fighting against the studio system and winning a landmark court case that abolished the "seven-year rule" for actors. She was also a philanthropist, supporting causes such as the American Cathedral in Paris and The Wounded Warrior Project.
Final Years:
De Havilland passed away on July 26, 2020, at the age of 104. She will be remembered as one of the greatest actresses of all time, and a true icon of Hollywood.
Olivia De Havilland: Early Life and Career
Olivia De Havilland was born on July 1, 1916, in Tokyo, Japan to British parents. Her mother, Lilian Augusta Ruse, was an actress and her father, Walter Augustus De Havilland, was a patent attorney.
When Olivia was three years old, her family moved to California. As a child, Olivia was shy and introverted. She attended Los Gatos High School where she developed an interest in theater. She participated in school plays and eventually enrolled at Mills College in Oakland, California to study theater.
Olivia made her acting debut in 1935 with the Warner Bros. film, "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Despite her limited role, Olivia's performance caught the attention of Hollywood and she was signed to a long-term contract with Warner Bros.
- In the following years, Olivia appeared in various films such as "Captain Blood", "The Adventures of Robin Hood", and "Gone with the Wind".
- She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "To Each His Own" in 1946 and her second Academy Award for Best Actress for "The Heiress" in 1949.
Olivia is regarded as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses and has made a significant impact on the film industry. Her career spanned over six decades and consisted of over 50 feature films.
Aside from her successful acting career, Olivia was also involved in political activism and played a significant role in the development of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).
Breakthrough Role
Olivia De Havilland's breakthrough role came in the 1935 film "Captain Blood," in which she starred alongside Errol Flynn. The film was a box office success and marked the beginning of a successful partnership between De Havilland and Flynn, who went on to star in 8 films together.
The following year, De Havilland played the lead role of Maid Marian in the adventure film "The Adventures of Robin Hood." The film was another box office success and further cemented De Havilland's status as one of Hollywood's leading ladies.
De Havilland continued to receive critical acclaim for her roles in films such as "Gone with the Wind," for which she received her first Academy Award nomination, and "The Heiress," for which she won her first Academy Award. Her performances were known for their emotional depth and complexity, and she was widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her time.
De Havilland's success in Hollywood paved the way for other actresses to break through the gender barriers and achieve success in the industry. She was a trailblazer and an inspiration to many, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and actresses today.
Personal Life
Olivia De Havilland had a rich and varied personal life that was as interesting as her career in Hollywood.
She was married twice, first to novelist Marcus Goodrich in 1946, with whom she had a son. The marriage ended in divorce in 1953. She then married journalist Pierre Galante in 1955, with whom she had a daughter. They remained married until Galante's death in 1998.
De Havilland was an avid reader and had a passion for flying. She obtained her pilot's license in 1942 and flew her own plane for many years.
She also had a close friendship with fellow actress Bette Davis, although their friendship was strained in later years. De Havilland was known for her strong and independent personality, and her commitment to family and friends.
As she got older, De Havilland became increasingly private and reclusive, but she continued to champion causes that were important to her, such as women's health and education.
Later Career and Net Worth
Later Career
Although Olivia De Havilland's career in Hollywood slowed down in the late 1950s and early 1960s, she continued to act in various films and television shows. In 1962, she starred in the film "Light in the Piazza," which earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She also appeared in the 1964 film "Lady in a Cage," which was a commercial success. De Havilland then transitioned to television, starring in the successful mini-series "Roots: The Next Generations" in 1979 and the television film "The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana" in 1982. Although she never won an Emmy Award, she received several nominations for her television work.Net Worth
Olivia De Havilland's successful career in Hollywood, spanning over five decades, earned her a sizable net worth. At the time of her death in 2020, her net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. In addition to her acting career, De Havilland was also a shrewd businesswoman, investing in real estate and other ventures that helped grow her wealth. She also served as the first female member of the Cannes Film Festival jury and was actively involved in various philanthropic activities throughout her life.Legacy and Awards
Olivia De Havilland's long and illustrious career left an indelible mark on Hollywood, and she continues to be an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses everywhere. Her portrayal of virtuous and courageous women in films like "Gone With the Wind" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" set the standard for female leads in Hollywood.
In recognition of her contributions to the great American art form of cinema, De Havilland received numerous accolades throughout her career. She was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two for her performances in "To Each His Own" and "The Heiress."
De Havilland's legacy also includes her role in changing the Hollywood studio system through her successful lawsuit against Warner Bros. in the landmark court case known as the "De Havilland Law." Her fight for creative control and fair treatment of actors helped pave the way for future generations of performers.
- Academy Awards: 2 wins, 5 nominations
- Golden Globe Awards: 3 wins, 5 nominations
- Emmy Awards: 1 win, 2 nominations
- SAG Awards: 1 win, 2 nominations
De Havilland's contribution to the world of film was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. In 2008, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush, recognizing her lifetime of artistic achievement and cultural impact.
FAQ
What was Olivia De Havilland's net worth?
Olivia De Havilland's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million at the time of her death in 2020. She accumulated her wealth through her successful acting career, which spanned over five decades.
What were Olivia De Havilland's most famous roles?
Olivia De Havilland is best known for her roles in the classic films "Gone with the Wind" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood". She also received critical acclaim for her performances in "To Each His Own" and "The Heiress", for which she won two Academy Awards.
How tall was Olivia De Havilland?
Olivia De Havilland was 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall.
What was Olivia De Havilland's figure like?
Olivia De Havilland was known for her petite figure and classic beauty. She maintained her physique through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
What is included in the comprehensive biography of Olivia De Havilland?
The comprehensive biography of Olivia De Havilland includes details about her personal life, including her childhood, family, and relationships. It also covers her acting career, including her most famous roles and awards. Additionally, it discusses her political activism and legal battles against Hollywood studios.
