In 1934, something extraordinary happened at a performance of Theatre Royal. That’s when the legendary Vivien Leigh saw Laurence Olivier for the first time. "She turned to a friend and declared, 'This is the man I’m going to marry,'" recounts Stephen Galloway, author of Truly, Madly: Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier and the Romance of the Century. What’s remarkable is that Vivien was already married with a child at the time, yet her intuition about Laurence was spot-on.

A Love Story for the Ages

Galloway’s book takes us on a journey through the 20-year saga of their passionate, tumultuous relationship. Their story begins with a spark that couldn’t be ignored and ends with a bittersweet conclusion. It’s a tale of two stars whose lives intertwined in ways that defined an era.

As Galloway explains, their love was deeply rooted, but it wasn’t without its challenges. "Vivien’s bipolar disorder ultimately took a toll on both their lives and their marriage. Back then, there was little understanding or treatment available for such conditions," he told Closer. This illness became a defining factor in their relationship, shaping its highs and lows.

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An Instant Connection

It wasn’t long after Vivien first noticed Laurence that they were formally introduced. The connection was immediate and undeniable. "I couldn’t help myself with Vivien," Laurence once confessed. "It wasn’t just lust; it was love. I didn’t ask for it, but I was drawn into it." For him, Vivien was irresistible—not just because of her beauty, but because of who she was as a person.

Beyond her stunning looks, Vivien was an intellectual powerhouse. "She was incredibly well-read, spoke several languages, and had a deep appreciation for the arts," Galloway notes. What’s more, she was one of Laurence’s earliest and most ardent supporters. However, her mental health struggles began to surface early on. Galloway explains, "She suffered from extreme mood swings and didn’t seek professional help until much later in life. Alcohol, stress, and exhaustion only worsened her condition."

The Storm Before the Calm

One of the first major incidents occurred in 1937 during rehearsals for Hamlet. "Vivien became so enraged that she physically attacked Laurence," Galloway reveals. Despite this, Laurence wasn’t deterred. Why? "His sister had experienced mental health issues, so he had some context for understanding Vivien’s behavior," Galloway explains. This empathy allowed him to remain committed to their relationship.

Their love affair gained public attention, but surprisingly, it was met with admiration rather than scandal. "The producers of Gone With the Wind and Wuthering Heights were terrified that news of their affair might leak," Galloway says. "Instead, the press romanticized their relationship, highlighting the sacrifices they made to be together." Their union was seen as a testament to true love.

The Marriage That Changed Everything

They tied the knot in 1940, and for the first decade, their marriage was blissful. They starred together in numerous plays and even worked on three films as a duo. "I think they loved each other deeply," Galloway reflects. However, as time went on, Vivien’s outbursts grew more frequent, testing the limits of their bond. At one point, she told Laurence, "I don’t love you anymore." Galloway believes this was likely a manifestation of her bipolar disorder, combined with frustration over their evolving careers and personal differences.

Sexual incompatibility also played a role in their eventual separation. "Vivien’s desires were far greater than Laurence’s, and both began seeking fulfillment elsewhere," Galloway shares. Despite their divorce in 1960, their connection endured. Vivien kept a photo of Laurence by her bedside until her passing in 1967. Later in life, Laurence too looked back with regret. "Passion is powerful, but it can also be painful and destructive," Galloway concludes.