Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier[a] (22 May 1907 – 11 July 1989) was an English actor and director. He and his contemporaries John Gielgud, Michael Redgrave and Ralph Richardson made up a quartet of male actors who dominated the British stage of the mid-20th century. He also worked in films throughout his career, playing more than fifty cinema roles. Late in his career he had ...
Laurence Olivier, a towering figure of the British stage and screen, acclaimed in his lifetime as the greatest English-speaking actor of the 20th century. He was the first member of his profession to be elevated to a life peerage, and he won three Academy Awards.
The Olivier Awards 2026 has announced the full list of winners, with musical heavyweight Paddington The Musical leading the charge with seven wins including Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor/Actress in a Musical.
Laurence Olivier could speak William Shakespeare 's lines as naturally as if he were "actually thinking them," said English playwright Charles Bennett, who met Olivier in 1927. Laurence Kerr Olivier was born in Dorking, Surrey, England, to Agnes Louise (Crookenden) and Gerard Kerr Olivier, a High Anglican priest.
London theatre's biggest night returned for its 2026 ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, where Nick Mohammed hosted the Olivier Awards. Check out a full list of winners here.
The Olivier Awards have recognized top achievements in London theater, opera, and dance for 2026. "Paddington The Musical" wins big, taking home awards for New Musical, Actor-Musical, Supporting Actress-Musical, Supporting Actor-Musical, Director, Set Design, and Costume Design.