LONDON — Renowned British actress Joan Plowright, celebrated for her significant contributions to the revival of the UK’s theatrical landscape following World War II, passed away at the age of 95.
Her family announced her death, which occurred at Denville Hall, an actors’ retirement facility in southern England, on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones. They expressed pride in her remarkable career, spanning theatre, film, and television for over seven decades, until deteriorating eyesight forced her into retirement. “We are so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being,” they noted.
Plowright was part of an extraordinary cohort of British talent that included acting legends like Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Eileen Atkins, and Maggie Smith. Throughout her illustrious career, she garnered numerous accolades including a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and nominations for an Academy Award and an Emmy. Her contributions to the arts were recognized when Queen Elizabeth II honored her with the title of Dame in 2004.
From the 1950s to the 1980s, Plowright built an impressive catalog of stage performances, embodying roles in classic works ranging from Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” to William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.” She delivered breathtaking performances in Eugene Ionesco’s “The Chairs” and George Bernard Shaw’s important plays, “Major Barbara” and “Saint Joan.” Plowright reflected on her career’s magic, stating in a 2010 interview, “I’ve been very privileged to have such a life.”
In recognition of her impact on the acting community, theatres throughout London’s West End have announced they will dim their lights for two minutes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday as a tribute to Plowright’s legacy.
Born Joan Ann Plowright in Brigg, Lincolnshire, England, she was introduced to theatre at a young age by her mother, who led an amateur drama group. Plowright was actively involved in drama from the age of three and pursued her passion by attending university drama sessions during school holidays. After completing high school, she studied at the Laban Art of Movement Studio in Manchester and later received a two-year scholarship to the drama school at the Old Vic Theatre in London.
She made her London theatre debut in 1954, and two years later, became a member of the Royal Court Theatre, earning acclaim for her work in plays by the Angry Young Men of British theatre, such as John Osborne. This movement was essential in bringing a new dynamic to British theatre, with Plowright often acting alongside contemporaries like Albert Finney, Alan Bates, and Anthony Hopkins.
Plowright’s film career began with a small uncredited role in John Huston’s adaptation of Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” in 1956, featuring Gregory Peck. The following year, she appeared alongside Laurence Olivier, her future husband, in the original production of Osborne’s “The Entertainer,” reprising her role in the subsequent film adaptation in 1960.
After the dissolution of her first marriage to actor Roger Cage, and Olivier’s split from Vivien Leigh, the couple married in Connecticut in 1961 while both were actively performing on Broadway, she in “A Taste of Honey,” for which she won a Tony Award, and he in “Becket.” In a heartfelt love letter, Olivier articulated his profound feelings for Plowright, expressing tranquility and joy at the mere thought of her.
Olivier passed away in 1989, but this did not mark the end of Plowright’s vibrant career; rather, it sparked a resurgence. Notable later performances included roles in Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of “Jane Eyre” and the Merchant-Ivory film “Surviving Picasso.” She also delighted audiences as the determined nanny in Disney’s live-action “101 Dalmatians.”
Her versatility shone through in various roles, including opposite Walter Matthau in “Dennis the Menace” and a brief appearance in “Last Action Hero” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Plowright distinguished herself in 1993 by winning two Golden Globes in a single year—one for her supporting role in “Stalin” and another for “Enchanted April,” which also earned her an Academy Award nomination.
While she faced some projects that didn’t fare well critically, such as “The Scarlet Letter” and a failed TV pilot based on “Driving Miss Daisy,” she remained a storied figure in the acting world. Later in life, Plowright took on the important role of preserving the legacy of her late husband, overseeing awards and defending his reputation in public forums.
Plowright is survived by her three children—Tamsin, Richard, and Julie-Kate—all of whom have pursued careers in acting, in addition to several grandchildren.
