North Lincolnshire acting legend Dame Joan Plowright dies aged 95

Dame Joan Plowright, pictured in 2004 when she was given a damehood in the New Year Honours
-Credit:PA


Tributes have been paid to North Lincolnshire-born acting legend Dame Joan Plowright who has died at the age of 95.

The esteemed actress, who was the wife of Lord Laurence Olivier, was celebrated for her Golden Globe-winning roles in the TV biopic Stalin and Enchanted April, the latter also earning her an Academy Award nomination.

Dame Joan's illustrious career included a role alongside River Phoenix in Love You To Death, and she was a shining star of both the West End and Broadway prior to her international film success.

Following the announcement of her death, a spokesperson for Scunthorpe Theatres said: "We are saddened to hear that Dame Joan Plowright, the esteemed British actress whose career spanned over six decades, has passed away at the age of 95. Born in Brigg she became one of the most distinguished actors of her generation.

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"Our Plowright Theatre, once know as Scunthorpe Civic Theatre was re-named in the 1990s in recognition of the achievements of Joan and it was her father, Bill Plowright who founded Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club who continue to perform there today.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time."

Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Dame Joan Plowright at a reception held at Buckingham Palace in 2004
Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Dame Joan Plowright at a reception held at Buckingham Palace in 2004 -Credit:PA

Her family released a statement saying: "It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall aged 95.

"She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.

"She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.

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"The family are deeply grateful to Jean Wilson and all those involved in her personal care over many years.

"Joan is survived by her loving family: Tamsin and Wilf, Julie-Kate and Dan, Richard, Shelley, Troy, Ali, Jeremy, step-granddaughter and great-granddaughter Kaya and Sophia, and great-granddaughter soon to arrive.

"The family ask you to please respect their request for privacy at this time.

"We are so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being. She survived her many challenges with Plowright grit and courageous determination to make the best of them, and that she certainly did.

"Rest in peace, Joan.."

The 1961 marriage of Dame Joan to Lord Olivier was nothing short of sensational, capturing the year's limelight, and they remained together in matrimony until his passing in 1989 when he was 82.

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She devotedly took care of him during his long-term health struggles, including cancer.

Sir Laurence Olivier in the role of Archie Rice, and Joan Plowright, 26, in the role of Jean, rehearsing for 'The Entertainer' a the Palace Theatre, London, in 1957
Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright appeared together in The Entertainer in 1957 -Credit:PA

Dame Joan's remarkable performance in the 1991 British movie Enchanted April garnered her a Golden Globe for playing Mrs Fisher, and she captured hearts in such cinematic hits as 101 Dalmatians (1996), Tea With Mussolini (1999) and starred as Mrs Wilson alongside Walter Matthau in 1993 film Dennis.

The biographical TV drama Stalin brought her a second Golden Globe trophy in 1993.

Her Broadway triumph as Jo in Shelagh Delaney's A Taste of Honey in 1961 saw her scoop a Tony Award, performing alongside the legendary Dame Angela Lansbury as her on-stage mother.

Dame Joan attended Scunthorpe Grammar School before clinching a scholarship to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School at just 17.

She was bestowed with a damehood in the 2004 New Year honours. Dame Joan declared her retirement from acting in 2014, after macular degeneration led to a loss of sight. Prior to her retirement, in 2014, Dame Joan participated in the documentary film Nothing Like A Dame, alongside Dame Eileen Atkins, Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith, where they reflected on their careers and personal lives.

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Hannah Essex, co-chief executive of UK Theatre and Society Of London Theatre, described Dame Joan as an "iconic and deeply respected figure in the world of theatre, leaving an indelible mark on the industry she shaped with her talent and dedication".

She added: "We are honoured to contribute to the celebration of her extraordinary career (by dimming the London theatre lights for two minutes) and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones."