Award-winning British actor Joan Plowright, known for revitalizing the U.K.'s theatrical scene, passed away at the age of 95. Plowright enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film, and TV over seven decades.
In a statement, her family announced her passing at Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors in southern England. They expressed pride in her work and described her as a loving and deeply inclusive human being.
Part of an extraordinary generation of British actors, Plowright won a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and received nominations for an Oscar and an Emmy. She was named a dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004.
Plowright's career spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s, during which she performed in numerous stage roles, ranging from classic plays by Chekhov and Shakespeare to modern works by Ionesco and Shaw.
Born in Brigg, England, Plowright was involved in theater from a young age. She studied at prestigious drama schools and made her London stage debut in 1954. Plowright became a member of the Royal Court Theatre and gained recognition for her work in dramas by John Osborne.
Plowright's marriage to Laurence Olivier in 1961 marked a turning point in her personal and professional life. The couple worked together on stage and screen, solidifying their places in British acting history.
Following Olivier's death in 1989, Plowright enjoyed a career resurgence in films like "Jane Eyre," "Surviving Picasso," and "101 Dalmatians." She also won two Golden Globes in 1993 for her performances in "Stalin" and "Enchanted April."
Plowright's legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she dedicated herself to preserving Olivier's memory and defending his legacy in the years following his passing.
Joan Plowright is survived by her three children, all actors, and several grandchildren.