Olivia de Havilland

Biography

Dame Olivia Mary de Havilland DBE (July 1, 1916 - July 25, 2020) was a distinguished British-American actress whose illustrious career spanned over five decades, from 1935 until 1988. Renowned as one of the foremost stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, she captivated audiences with memorable performances in 49 feature films. De Havilland is perhaps best recognized for her iconic roles in classics such as *The Adventures of Robin Hood* (1938) and *Gone with the Wind* (1939), along with her acclaimed performances in *To Each His Own* (1946), *The Snake Pit* (1948), and *The Heiress* (1949), the latter earning her an Academy Award.

Born in Tokyo to British parents, she moved to California with her family in 1919. Raised by her mother, a former stage actress, Olivia and her sister Joan Fontaine were immersed in the arts from an early age. De Havilland made her film debut in *A Midsummer Night's Dream* (1935) and quickly became a favorite in romantic comedies and Westerns, often starring alongside Errol Flynn.

In her later years, she excelled in dramatic roles, including *Light in the Piazza* (1962) and *Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte* (1964), while also leaving her mark on Broadway and television, notably in the miniseries *Roots: The Next Generations* (1979). Over her career, she garnered two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the National Medal of Arts.

De Havilland's legacy is further highlighted by her unique distinction, alongside Fontaine, as the only siblings to win Academy Awards in leading acting categories. Celebrating her 100th birthday in 2016, she was honored in 2017 as a Dame