Olivia de Havilland was an iconic figure in the history of film. Her performances spanned over an incredible four decades, and she consistently displayed a timeless elegance and grace on-screen. A four-time Academy Award winner as well as recipient of numerous other awards and accolades, her acting remains some of the most iconic of all time.
In this post, we will explore the life and career of this legendary actress. We will take a look at some of her most memorable performances, as well as discuss how she influenced the course of film history. We will also discuss why de Havilland’s legacy endures to this day, and why her work continues to inspire actors and filmmakers around the world.
So join us as we honor Olivia de Havilland’s incredible career, her timeless style and grace, and her immense contributions to the movie industry.
A Star Is Born: Olivia’s Early Life and Breakthrough Role as Melanie in Gone With the Wind
Olivia de Havilland was born on July 1st, 1916 in Tokyo, Japan. She had an older sister, the actress Joan Fontaine and a younger brother. Her parents were British, her father an attorney and her mother an actress. When she was three years old the family relocated to California and Olivia began her acting career.
At just 19 years of age Olivia earned her breakthrough role as Melanie in Gone With the Wind (1939). She won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for it which launched her into stardom and made her one of Hollywood’s leading ladies during the 1940s and 1950s.
In addition to acting, de Havilland also became politically active during WWII. She was one of many celebrities who visited military installations and hospitals across the country, entertaining soldiers and bringing attention to their cause through interviews in newspapers such as The New York Times.
Throughout this time Olivia continued to dominate Hollywood with standout performances in films like Hold Back the Dawn (1941), To Each His Own (1946), The Snake Pit (1948) and The Heiress (1949). All these films further solidified her reputation as one of film’s greatest stars.
Winning Two Oscars: Sister Rivalry and Memorable Roles in the 1940s
Olivia De Havilland is a Hollywood icon, remembered to this day for her timeless elegance on screen. But her influence in cinema was more than just as a beautiful face—she was a powerful force that broke ground and set the stage for women in the industry.
In 1946, she became the first woman to win two Academy Awards. This happened in part due to her well-publicized rivalry with her sister, Joan Fontaine, who had won an Oscar the year prior. In addition to winning two Oscars, Olivia earned accolades for her memorable roles including in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Gone with the Wind (1939) and Hold Back The Dawn (1941).
She not only made history for being the first female to win two Oscars, but also for refusing long-term contracts that film studios often force actors into accepting. This paved the way for actresses to establish themselves as their own powerful presence in Hollywood — a legacy that continues today.
Being Typecast in the 1950s and Taking on More Serious Roles
Despite being typecast in the 1950s as a glamorous, sweet-faced leading lady, Olivia de Havilland was determined to take on more serious roles. She starred in the classic western movie “The Furies” and the Hitchcock thriller “The Birds” in 1963, which showcased her formidable acting range.
At the same time, she was never content to be typecast as the ingenue. In 1952 she was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance as a passionate but strong-willed Southern belle in “Scarlett in Red”. She refused other parts that were similar to that role and instead sought out parts such as her acclaimed portrayal of a victim of family violence in “The Heiress”. The role earned de Havilland her second Oscar win.
In 1961, she starred alongside John Wayne and Montgomery Cliff in “The Comancheros” which earned de Havilland good reviews and proved that she could handle even action-based roles. In 1967, after receiving two further nominations for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her performances in “Light In The Piazza” and “Anastasia”, she took on the part of an elderly woman doomed to die from radiation poisoning from atomic testing in “Hush…Hush Sweet Charlotte”. This performance received another Oscar nomination for her and she finally won her third Oscar award for her performance.
Throughout all these challenging roles, de Havilland demonstrated that age does not limit talent or ambition – proving once again why Olivia de Havilland is remembered with such admiration today.
Life in Paris and Return to Hollywood in the 1960s
Olivia De Havilland lived in Paris for much of the 1960s, where she took on several small roles in films and stage plays. She also made some television appearances, but Hollywood was still calling her name.
In 1966, she returned to Hollywood and landed a role as Melanie Hamilton in the epic movie, “Gone with the Wind”. This marked her first major film role in over two decades, and she received a great reception from audiences and critics alike.
Her return to Hollywood led to several more roles throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including her Oscar-nominated performance as Mary Stimson in George Roy Hill’s 1973 comedy-drama “The Slender Thread”. She also continued to appear onstage during this time, giving critically acclaimed performances in plays such as Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and Aunt Dan And Lemon.
De Havilland gracefully embraced aging as an actress during this time of her life; she used her considerable charm and wit to create vivid characters that captivated audiences of all ages. Despite growing older, De Havilland remained as beautiful and elegant as ever; her timeless elegance was admired around the world.
Recognition and Honors in Her Later Years
No one could dispute that the illustrious, four-time Academy Award-winning actress Olivia De Havilland had a career worthy of recognition. But in her later years, she was honored with awards for her illustrious acting career.
In 2000, Olivia De Havilland was awarded the American Film Institute’s highest honor, the Life Achievement Award. In France, she was honored as an “Officer of the Legion of Honor”.
In 2008, Olivia De Havilland was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This special distinction is bestowed upon individuals who have given a major contribution to Britain and the world, and Olivia De Havilland certainly meets this criterion.
In 2017, she received her final accolade when she won an honorary Oscar for her lifetime achievements in film.
There is no doubt that Olivia De Havilland has earned all of these honors and will be remembered forever as one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses.
Olivia De Havilland’s Lasting Legacy and Influence on Cinema
Olivia De Havilland was a true pioneer in the world of film, inspiring generations with iconic performances over a career that spanned fifty years. Oscar-winner, role model, and unforgettable Hollywood star—her legacy will live on forever.
The timeless elegance and strength of Olivia De Havilland’s performances made her someone to emulate, both on screen and in real life. From the boldness of her roles in classic films like Gone With The Wind or The Heiress to her larger-than-life presence on the red carpet, there was something about Olivia that set her apart from the rest.
Her influence on cinema is far-reaching, from being one of the first actresses to break free from long-term studio contracts to starring in some of the most beloved films of all time. She inspired countless other actresses to pursue their dreams and follow their ambitions despite any obstacles they may face.
Her impressive list of accolades includes two Oscars, nine Golden Globe nominations including three wins, and an Emmy Award nomination—a testament to her lasting impact on the film industry.
The next time you watch an inspiring movie with a strong female lead, remember Olivia De Havilland and all she achieved in her illustrious career—a true legend!
Olivia de Havilland was a timeless beauty and an iconic figure in cinema that left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her graceful and elegant style, brilliant acting performances, and her unwavering sense of dignity and intelligence left a lasting impression on generations of cinema-goers.
Widely praised and respected, Olivia de Havilland’s cinematic efforts and style serve as a reminder of the power of womanhood and grace. Even though she is no longer with us, her cinematic legacy still lives on today and will continue to inspire for generations to come.
