Joan Ann Plowright Olivier or Baroness Olivier is popularly known as Dame Joan Plowright. Moreover, Joan Plowright was an English actress born on 28th October 1929. Her career was extended over six decades. Along with that, she received various awards in her career, including two Golden Globe awards, a Tony award, an Olivia award, two BAFTA awards, and a primetime EMMY award. Furthermore, Joan Plowright has also received a nomination for an Academy Award. Along with that, Queen Elizabeth II made her a Dame in 2004.
Apart from this, Joan Plowright was the last survivor of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Joan Ann Plowright Olivier’s Personal life
The English actress, Joan Ann Plowright was born in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, England. Her father William Ernest Plowright was an editor and a journalist. Moreover, her mother was Daisy Margaret. Her younger brother, David Plowright was an executive at Granada Television. Her mom helped her in acting in plays. Joan won a drama cup at the age of 15. Furthermore, after winning the cup she also got a chance to share the screen with Harry Hanson Players for one week. After that, Joan Plowright received a scholarship to make her career at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
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In 1953, Joan Plowright married Roger Gage. However, their marriage didn’t last long and they got divorced in 1960. After that, John met Laurence Olivier at the production of “The Country Wife”. Moreover, in 1957, the duo worked together in “The Entertainer” for Joan Osborne in London. After that, both John Plowright and Laurence Olivier started dating. In 1960, after 20 years of marriage, Olivier and Vivien Leigh ended their relationship. After their divorce, one year later Plowright and Olivier got married. Joan Plowright was the third and final wife of Laurence Olivier. Later, the couple became parents of three children. Moreover, both of their daughters became actresses. Here’s the list of Joan Plowright’s best movies:
Joan Plowright Movies
1)Tea with Mussolini
Tea with Mussolini is a comedy-drama war movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli and scripted by John Mortimer. Moreover, it is the story of an Italian boy, Adolescent Luka(Charlie Lucas), who has lost his mother. His father sends him to a British and American woman, Mary Wallace( Joan Plowright) for his upbringing. After that, Mary and her friends, Arabella, young widow Elsa, and archaeologist Georgie take care of him. Tea with Mussolini won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
2) Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont
Dan Ireland directed Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont. The movie was released in 2005. Mrs. Palfrey(Joan Plowright) is the lead character of the movie. Mrs. Palfrey moves to London after her husband’s death. After that, She strikes up a relationship with Ludovic Meyer( Rupert Friend).
3) Enchanted April
Enchanted April is a pretty historical drama movie directed by Mike Newell. Rose Arbuthnot(Miranda Richarson) and Lottie Wilkins(Josie Lawrence) take a break from their daily life and go to Italy for a holiday. Caroline Dester(Polly Walker) and Mrs. Fisher(Joan Plowright) joined both of them. Later, all four ladies find themselves totally changed by the experience.
4) Back to the Secret Garden
Michael Tuchner directed Back to the Secret Garden. It is a family fantasy movie. Moreover, this movie is the sequel to “The Secret Garden”. Lady Mary Craven( Cherie Lunghi) and Sir Colin Craven are some of the previous characters. Later, she becomes friends with Lizzie, who is in an orphanage. After that, Lizzie comes to England and meets Martha Sowerby( Joan Plowright).
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5) The Entertainer
The Entertainer is a British kitchen sink drama movie. Moreover, Tony Richardson has directed the movie. Furthermore, Harry Saltzman has produced the movie. Jean Rice(Joan Plowright), a London School Teacher returns to her hometown during her personal crisis.
6) Jane Eyre
Franco Zeffirelli directed Jane Eyre. The movie was released in 1996. Jane Eyre(Anna Paquin)was an Orphaned girl. Moreover, she suffers from abuse and humiliation from her aunt( Fiona Shaw). Later on, she was sent to a boarding school for some years.
7) Dennis the Menace
Nick Castle directed Dennis the Menace. Dennis Mitchell( Mason Gamble) makes George Wilson( Walter Matthau) and his wife Martha’s( Joan Plowright) life miserable.
8) Avalon
Barry Levinson directed Avalon. The movie was released in 1990. The movie is based on Barry Levinson’s personal life. Sam Krichinsky settled in Baltimore and found a wife( Joan Plowright) there.
9) Widows’ Peak
John Irvin is the director of Widows’ Peak. Moreover, this is the story of Adwina Broome(Natasha Richardson). Adwina moves to kilshannon and meets Mrs. Doyle-Counihan ( Joan Plowright) and Miss Katherine O’Hare( Mia Farrow).
10) 101 Dalmatians
Stephen Herek directed 101 Dalmatians. Moreover, the movie was released in 1996. This is a heartwarming movie. Roger( Jeff Daniels) Anita ( Joely Richardson) and pet parents. Moreover, Pongo and Perdita were their pets.
Conclusion
Joan Ann Plowright Olivier was an exceptional English actress. She has done numerous movies, television shows, and theatre in her life. Moreover, Joan Plowright also received various awards in her career. Furthermore, her remarkable performance in various movies made her a legendary actress. However, the actress died on 16th January 2025, at the age of 95. But her work will continue to inspire aspiring actors and actresses.
