Vivien Leigh – Cause of Death, Height, Children and Legacy

Vivien Leigh, the British actress whose portrayals of Scarlett O’Hara and Blanche DuBois made her a global icon, died in London on July 8, 1967, at the age of 53. Her life, marked by extraordinary professional triumph and profound personal struggle, continues to fascinate audiences decades later. This article provides a fact-driven overview of her life, career, and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.

What Was Vivien Leigh’s Cause of Death?

The official cause of Vivien Leigh’s death was tuberculosis, specifically a pulmonary hemorrhage caused by a recurrence of the chronic infection. According to her physician and the death certificate, the immediate cause was a fatal lung collapse related to tuberculosis. While she was also treated for bipolar disorder—then known as manic depression—this condition was not a direct cause of her death, a distinction that clarifies a common misconception.

Quick Overview: Key Facts About Vivien Leigh

Key Insights into Her Life and Career

• Vivien Leigh died from complications of recurrent tuberculosis at age 53, not from bipolar disorder (though she was treated for it). This clarifies a common misconception.
• She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress in just 12 years—for Gone with the Wind (1939) and A Streetcar Named Desire (1951).
• Despite her fragile health, Leigh maintained a prolific stage career alongside Laurence Olivier, showcasing her resilience and dedication.

Vivien Leigh: Quick Facts

Vivien Leigh’s Personal Life: Family, Children, and Last Words

Vivien Leigh had one child, a daughter named Suzanne Farrington, born in 1933 from her first marriage to Leigh Holman. Her personal life was often in the public eye, particularly her tumultuous marriage to acting legend Laurence Olivier, which lasted from 1940 to 1960.

Her Daughter, Suzanne Farrington

Suzanne Farrington is Vivien Leigh’s only child. She has largely stayed out of the public eye but is known to have been born in 1933. Her existence confirms the single-child family of the actress.

The Question of Last Words

Accounts of Vivien Leigh’s last words are not entirely consistent. A frequently cited version, reported by biographers, quotes her as saying: “Everything has gone. I have no money. Where shall I go?” This was reportedly spoken to a friend. The uncertainty surrounding the exact phrasing adds to the mystique of her final moments.

Vivien Leigh’s Physical Appearance: Height and Early Years

Height is one of the most verifiable physical attributes of Vivien Leigh. Multiple sources, including IMDb, list her height as 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters). As a young woman, she was described as strikingly beautiful, a feature that helped her launch her career in the mid-1930s.

Vivien Leigh’s Legacy: Awards, Career, and Final Days

Vivien Leigh’s career, though spanning just over three decades, produced two of the most iconic performances in cinema history. Her legacy rests heavily on her two Academy Awards for Best Actress.

How Many Academy Awards Did She Win?

Vivien Leigh won two Academy Awards for Best Actress. The first was for her role as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939), and the second for playing Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). These two wins, within a 12-year span, are a testament to her extraordinary talent and range.

What Was Her Real Name?

Her birth name was Vivian Mary Hartley. She was born in Darjeeling, India, and later adopted the stage name ‘Leigh’, which came from her first husband, Leigh Holman.

The Last Known Photograph

There is a widely circulated last known photograph of Vivien Leigh, taken shortly before her death in 1967. It shows her looking thin and fragile. However, the precise location of this photograph is not universally confirmed; some sources state it was taken at her flat, while others suggest a nursing home.

Key Dates in Vivien Leigh’s Life

1. 1913: Born in Darjeeling, India
2. 1932: Marries Leigh Holman
3. 1933: Birth of daughter Suzanne
4. 1939: Starred as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind; wins Academy Award
5. 1940: Marries Laurence Olivier
6. 1951: Wins second Academy Award for A Streetcar Named Desire
7. 1967: Dies at age 53 from tuberculosis

Established Facts and Areas of Uncertainty

Context and Analysis: Understanding Vivien Leigh’s Final Years

Vivien Leigh’s final years were marked by a tragic convergence of health struggles. The recurrence of tuberculosis, a chronic lung infection, was compounded by the effects of bipolar disorder. Her marriage to Laurence Olivier also ended during this period, amid significant personal and professional pressures. Despite these challenges, her legacy is monumental. With only 19 film roles, she is consistently ranked among the greatest actresses in cinema history, a testament to the power of her two defining screen performances.

Notable Quotes and Reliable Sources

“I think I have a great deal of talent. I am certain of it, and I intend to use it.”

— Vivien Leigh, in an interview

“She was a consummate actress, but a troubled soul.”

— Biographer Anne Edwards

Summary: Vivien Leigh’s Enduring Impact

Vivien Leigh’s life was a short but intense burst of brilliance. She won two Oscars in a little over a decade and created two of the most enduring characters in film history. Her cause of death, tuberculosis, ended a life that remains a benchmark for dramatic acting. For more on iconic performers of the era, you can explore the life and legacy of another screen legend in the article on Anna Karina – Life, Films and Legacy of the French New Wave Icon. Her story, alongside those of her contemporaries like Peter Ustinov – Biography, Movies, Poirot Films and Death, helps define the golden age of cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions