Oscar nominee Dame Joan Plowright has died aged 95, her family said today.
The British actress, who was married to Lord Laurence Olivier, was known for her Golden Globe award-winning performances in TV biopic Stalin and Enchanted April, for which she was also nominated for an Academy Award.
Dame Joan also starred in Love You To Death with River Phoenix, and was a star of the West End and Broadway before her international movie success.
Dame Joan’s wedding to Lord Olivier in 1961 was the sensation of the year, and their marriage was an enduring one until the theatre great’s death in 1989 at the age of 82. She became his carer through a series of chronic illnesses, including cancer.
A family statement said today: ‘It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on 16 January 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall at the glorious age of 95.
‘Her brilliant career will be remembered by many, her wonderful being always cherished by her children Richard, Tamsin and Julie-Kate, their families and Joan’s many friends. We are deeply grateful for all those who helped care for her in her last years.’
The statement added: ‘She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.
‘She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.
‘The family are deeply grateful to Jean Wilson and all those involved in her personal care over many years.
‘Joan is survived by her loving family: Tamsin and Wilf, Julie-Kate and Dan, Richard, Shelley, Troy, Ali, Jeremy, step-granddaughter and great granddaughter Kaya and Sophia, and great grand-daughter soon to arrive.
‘The family ask you to please respect their request for privacy at this time. We are so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being.
‘She survived her many challenges with Plowright grit and courageous determination to make the best of them, and that she certainly did. Rest in peace, Joan…’
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