Throughout his life, the legendary stage actor and Oscar-winning star Laurence Olivier embraced a daily swimming routine that became a cornerstone of his discipline. “He was deeply committed to it,” Richard Olivier, his son, tells Closer. “He would swim 30 lengths, calculating it to be roughly half a mile.” Even as he aged, Laurence maintained this routine, sometimes taking an hour to complete it. “His determination and willpower were unmatched,” Richard recalls. “He would push through no matter what.”
Laurence’s perseverance and self-confidence propelled him from humble beginnings as the third son of a frugal clergyman to becoming one of the most celebrated actors in history. His passion for acting began in childhood, shortly after the passing of his beloved mother. To fund his studies, Laurence worked tirelessly. “He’d attend drama school during the day, then work late shifts on the tube trains, manually opening and closing doors before they became automatic,” Richard shares. It’s a testament to Laurence’s grit and dedication that set him apart.
By the time Richard was born in 1961, Laurence had already cemented his place as a titan of the stage, earning knighthood from Queen Elizabeth and securing three Academy Awards. (A fourth, honoring his lifetime achievements, would come in 1979.) Despite his monumental success, Laurence poured his energy into leading the National Theatre of Great Britain in 1962, a role that consumed much of his time. “Running the National Theatre was his greatest passion,” Richard confides. “But because of that, he didn’t have much time for parenting.”
Read also:Candice Bergen Mourns The Loss Of Beloved Husband Marshall Rose
Richard’s mother, the esteemed actress Joan Plowright, stepped into the role of caregiver, providing a stable and nurturing environment. “She was grounded, sensible, and practical,” Richard says, contrasting her with the glitz and glamour of Laurence’s earlier marriage to Vivien Leigh, the star of Gone With the Wind. “By the time I came along, Laurence had already experienced the highs of Hollywood and the West End. He was more interested in the deeper aspects of life,” Richard explains. “During holidays, he was incredibly caring, entertaining, and playful. Those moments were truly special.”
Laurence Olivier's Final Decade: A Closer Look at His Family Life
In his later years, Laurence’s health challenges led him to focus on film roles rather than the physically demanding work of the stage. This shift allowed him to spend more time at home. “We cherished every moment with him during our teenage years,” Richard reflects. “I even had the opportunity to work alongside him on set for a few weeks on The Boys From Brazil and A Little Romance. Those experiences were invaluable.”
Laurence passed away in 1989 at the age of 82, but his legacy endures. This December, Julien’s Auctions will feature a sale of his personal belongings, including scripts, props, and cherished items. “It feels like the perfect time to ensure these pieces find loving homes,” Richard says. As the founder of Olivier Mythodrama, a leadership practice inspired by Shakespeare’s works, Richard acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without Laurence. “Before he brought Shakespeare to the silver screen, it was often seen as elitist and inaccessible. Laurence changed all that, making it relatable to everyone.”
