Joan Plowright
(1929 - )Although her beginnings were as a classical actress of the British stage and a Shakespearean actor as well, she has become one of the Top 5 character actresses in the world. She excels at portraying kindly widows, dowagers and aristocrats but can play equally interesting character parts as well. Such is the case in the film “Avalon”, one of her finest roles and a role that illustrates her diversity. She is of slight build, pleasingly plump with graying hair, deep set but sparkling eyes, a sweet, kindly face and a warm, slightly quivering voice. She was born on October 28, 1929 in Brigg, Lincolnshire, England. It wasn’t until she reached the age of 20 that she began training for an acting career at the Laban Art of Movement Studio in Manchester, England. She made her stage debut in repertory theatre and then studied at the Old Vic Theatre School in London. She later toured the U.K. with various theatre troupes. She made her Broadway debut in 1952. In 1960 she married Laurence Olivier, becoming his third wife. They had three children: Richard, Julie-Kate and Tamsin and remained together until his death in 1989. Her films included: “Moby Dick” (1956) with Gregory Peck, in a bit part, her film debut; “Time Without Pity” (1956) as Agnes Cole; “The Entertainer” (1960) with her husband, Sir Laurence Olivier, as Jean Rice which earned her a BAFTA award nomination; “Three Sisters” (1970) as Masha; “Equus” (1977) as Dora Strang, which earned her a second BAFTA nomination; “Britannia Hospital” (1982) as Phyllis Grimshaw; “Brimstone and Treacle” (1982) as Norma Bates; “Revolution” (1985) Mrs. McConnahay; “Drowning by Numbers” (1988) as Cissie Colpitts; “The Dressmaker” (1988) as Nellie; “Avalon” (1990) with Armin Muller-Stahl and Aidan Quinn, as Eva Krichinsky, a fabulous portrayal; “I Love You to Death” (1990) as Nadja; “Enchanted April” (1992) as Mrs. Fisher, a role which won her many accolades and awards including a Golden Globe award; “The Last Action Hero” (1993) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, as Teacher; “Dennis the Menace” (1993) with Walter Matthau, as Mrs. Martha Wilson, a nice, sweet little role; “Widow’s Peak” (1994) as Mrs. DC; “A Pyromaniac’s Love Story” (1995) as Mrs. Linzer; “Hotel Sorrento” (1995) as Marge Morrisey; “The Scarlet Letter” (1995) as Harriet Hibbons; “Jane Eyre” (1996) with Charlotte Gainsbourg and William Hurt, as Mrs. Fairfax, another fine performance; “Mr. Wrong” (1996) as Mrs. Crawford; “Surviving Picasso” (1996) as Françoise’s Grandmother; “101 Dalmatians” (1996) with Glenn Close, as Nanny; “The Assistant” (1997) as Mrs. Bober; “Dance with Me” (1998) as Bea Johnson; “Tea with Mussolini” (1999) as Mary Wallace; “Tom’s Midnight Garden” (1999) as Mrs. Bartholomew; the computer animated film “Dinosaur” (2000) as Voice of Baylene, a brilliant piece of casting and a brilliant performance and “Global Heresy” (2001) as Lady Foxley. On TV she has appeared in the series: “Wagner” (1983) a mini-series, as Mrs. Taylor and “Encore! Encore!” (1998-99) as Marie Pinoni. She appeared in TV movies including: “Uncle Vanya” (1963); “The Diary of Anne Frank” (1980); “And a Nightingale Sang” (1989); “Stalin” (1992) for which she won a Golden Globe; “On Promised Land” (1992) and “Christmas Glory” (2000). She received the CBE in 1970 in her native England. Her daughters Julie-Kate and Tamsin Olivier are actresses and her son Richard Olivier is a director. She continues adding terrific performances to her illustrious acting career.
From Great Character Actors, Page 8.
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