Laurence Olivier’s Passionate Love Affair with Vivien Leigh Unveiled

Vivien Leigh, the iconic British actress known for her roles in beloved movies like Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire, passed away 55 years ago on July 8, 2022.

While she had a remarkable career in Hollywood, her personal life was filled with scandal, particularly her passionate love affair with Sir Laurence Olivier that captivated the public.

The story of their connection began in 1937 when they met before filming the movie Fire Over England.

Leigh was immediately enchanted by Olivier's charm and magnetism, as described in her biography.

Olivier, on the other hand, felt an undeniable attraction to her that surpassed any he had felt before.

However, there were significant obstacles standing in their way – they were both married.

Leigh had been wedded to Herbert Leigh Holman since 1932, while Olivier had been married to Jill Esmond for seven years.

Despite having a child together, their relationship was said to lack intimacy.

Nevertheless, they couldn't deny the profound connection they shared and decided to pursue their love affair regardless of their marital status.

In heartfelt letters exchanged between them, Olivier expressed his overwhelming desire for Leigh, while she confessed her love for him that extended far beyond physical attraction.

Their affair became an open secret, but they were unable to obtain divorces from their respective spouses who refused to grant them.

However, everything changed in 1940 when both Olivier's wife and Leigh's husband finally agreed to divorce.

This marked a turning point in their relationship, allowing them to be together openly.

On August 31, 1940, Olivier and Leigh tied the knot at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by notable witnesses such as Katharine Hepburn and Garson Kanin.

Leigh experienced a triumphant year, becoming the first British woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress.

However, their happiness was short-lived as Leigh's health took a turn for the worse in 1943 when she was diagnosed with tuberculosis in her left lung.

During her time in the hospital, Olivier sent her numerous heartfelt letters expressing his concern and love for her, even while he was working in Paris.

His words revealed the depth of his selfish love for her, surpassing his love for himself.

After recovering from her illness, Leigh believed she had overcome it completely.

However, their relationship faced further challenges as the years went on.

The love affair between Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh remains one of the most captivating and scandalous stories in Hollywood history, a testament to the complexities of love and the sacrifices made in its name.