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Olivia de Havilland Biography

Birth Name:Olivia Mary de Havilland

Birth Place:Tokyo, Japan

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Received an honorary degree from the University of Hertfordshire
Was the first female president of the Cannes Film Festival jury
Made her acting debut in 1933 in a Saratoga Community Players' production of "Alice in Wonderland․"
Quote: "Famous people feel that they must perpetually be on the crest of the wave, not realizing that it is against all the rules of life․ You can't be on top all the time, it isn't natural․"
Quote: "(On retiring from acting) "Life is too full of events of great importance․ That is more absorbing and enriching than a fantasy life․""
Frequently portrays women who are "plain-Jane" or ordinary in films
Well known for portraying characters who are emotional and vulnerable
Was named after the lead character in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night․"
Was offered a lead role in "It's a Wonderful Life," but turned it down
Was the only surviving major cast member on the 70th anniversary of the premiere of "Gone with the Wind․"

Awards

1935Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1940Oscar-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1941NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1941Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1941Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1942Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1943Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1946NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1947Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: winner
1948NBR Award-Best Actress: winner
1948NYFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
1949Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1949NYFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1949Gold Medal-Most Popular Female Star: nominated
1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
1949International Award-Best Actress: winner
1950Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: winner
1950Golden Globe-Best Actress: winner
1950Silver Ribbon-Best Foreign Actress (Migliore Attrice Straniera): winner
1950Gold Medal-Most Popular Female Star: nominated
1953Golden Globe-Best Actress - Drama: nominated
1987Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
1987Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated