The legendary Joan Plowright, a celebrated star of stage and screen, died on January 16th at the age of 95.
Plowright is credited with helping to shape British post-war theater through performances at the Royal Court of Justice, the National Theater and the West End. She is a beloved entertainer who has lent her talents to theater and film for decades. The talented star has numerous accomplishments to her name and a long list of accolades for her stellar performances.
Her death was confirmed in a statement released by her family, which read in part: “The family of Mrs. Joan Plowright, aka Madame Olivier, would like to announce that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 16, 2025. We are very sorry that we had to adopt him.'' Denville Hall 95 years oldAccording to Guardian.
Joan Plowright (Photo by Amy Graves/WireImage) Getty Images
“She enjoyed a long and distinguished career in stage, film and television for more than 70 years, until blindness forced her to retire,” the statement added, according to the Guardian.
“She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex, filled with many laughs and fond memories, frequented by friends and family,” the family said. “The family is deeply grateful to Jean Wilson and all those involved in her care over the years.”
British actress Joan Plowright, circa 1955. (Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images) Laurence Olivier's famous wife appeared with her husband in 'The West End' and 'The Entertainer'. other Featured credits That includes the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of “A Taste of Honey.” Other plays include “St. Joan,'' for which she was named Best Actress at the Evening Standard Theater Awards.
Plowright also won the West End Dramatic Society Award, later renamed the Olivier Award, after her husband, in 1978 for her performance in Firmena. Plowright was nominated for a Vafta Award and won a Golden Globe for her role in Equus, and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Enchanted April.
Actors Sir Laurence Olivier and Joan Plowright embrace while rehearsing a scene from their play The Entertainer, 1957. (Photo by Ron Burton/Keystone/Getty Images)
The London Theater Society has announced that theaters in London's West End will dim their lights for two minutes at 7pm local time on Tuesday in remembrance. Hannah Essex, co-chief executive of the charity, said: “Dame Joan Plowright is an iconic and deeply respected figure in the theater world, and we are deeply grateful to the theater community shaped by her talent and dedication. He left an indelible mark.” (Related: Legendary “Twin Peaks'' director David Lynch dies at age 78)
It was an incredible honor to work with Dame Plowright on my first feature film, I Am David. I was giddy about directing such a legend, but she made everything so easy. I marveled at her every take and learned so much from her. Thank you, Joanne ❤️🙏 https://t.co/GOH6mL3ORL
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) January 17, 2025
American film director Paul Feig was among those who paid tribute. He said it was an “incredible” honor to work with Plowright on his first feature film, I Am David.
“Directing such a legend was really mind-boggling, but she made everything so much easier,” he said in a post on Twitter. “I marveled at her every take and learned so much from her.”
