Olivia de Havilland appeared in 49 feature films between 1935 and 1988, bridging the span from the height of the Hollywood studio system to the contemporary era. A versatile performer across cinema, television, and theatre, she navigated rigid employment contracts and industry expectations to emerge as a significant figure in twentieth-century acting.
Early Background and Education
Born in Tokyo in 1916 to British parents, de Havilland moved to California with her family in 1919. She attended Los Gatos High School and Notre Dame High School before enrolling at Mills College in 1934. Her early interest in drama and performance was cultivated through participation in school productions and local community theatre in Saratoga, providing the foundation for her professional entry into the arts.
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Under contract with Warner Bros. Entertainment, she gained prominence as a frequent screen partner to Errol Flynn in adventure films such as Captain Blood and The Adventures of Robin Hood. She later transitioned to complex dramatic roles, securing an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in To Each His Own and The Heiress. Her work earned sustained critical recognition, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Television, Theatre, and Later Honors
Beyond her film credits, de Havilland maintained an active presence in theatre, with Broadway appearances in Romeo and Juliet, Candida, and A Gift of Time. Her television work included roles in Roots: The Next Generations and Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna, which earned her a Golden Globe. In her later years, she received significant international accolades, including the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2010 and being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1916, Tokyo
- Died: 2020, 16th arrondissement of Paris
- Citizenship: United States, France, United Kingdom
- Education: Mills College at Northeastern University (1934)
- Academy Awards for Best Actress: 1947, 1950
- Burial location: Père Lachaise Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What were her most notable film awards?
She received the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1947 and 1950, and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1950.
How long was her professional film career?
Her cinematic career spanned 53 years, beginning in 1935 and concluding in 1988.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 2010
- Academy Award for Best Actress — 1950
- Golden Globe for best actress — 1950
- Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 2017
- Worked as television actor, stage actor and film actor
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