SIR LAURENCE OLIVIER 4 ACADEMY AWARDS, KNIGHTHOOD, SIGNED 8X10 PHOTO W/COA

Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier, OM (22 May 1907 11 July 1989) was an English actor and director who, along with his contemporaries Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud, was one of a trio 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 considerable success in television roles.His family had no theatrical connections, but Olivier's father, a clergyman, decided that his son should become an actor. After attending a drama school in London, Olivier learned his craft in a succession of acting jobs during the late 1920s. In 1930 he had his first important West End success in No«l Coward's Private Lives, and he appeared in his first film. In 1935 he played in a celebrated production of Romeo and Juliet alongside Gielgud and Peggy Ashcroft, and by the end of the decade he was an established star. In the 1940s, together with Richardson and John Burrell, Olivier was the co-director of the Old Vic, building it into a highly respected company. There his most celebrated roles included Shakespeare's Richard III and Sophocles's Oedipus. In the 1950s Olivier was an independent actor-manager, but his stage career was in the doldrums until he joined the avant-garde English Stage Company in 1957 to play the title role in The Entertainer, a part he later played on film. From 1963 to 1973 he was the founding director of Britain's National Theatre, running a resident company that fostered many future stars. His own parts there included the title role in Othello (1965) and Shylock in The Merchant of Venice (1970).Among Olivier's films are Wuthering Heights (1939), Rebecca (1940), and a trilogy of Shakespeare films as actor/director: Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1948), and Richard III (1955). His later films included Spartacus (1960), The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968), Sleuth (1972), Marathon Man (1976), and The Boys from Brazil (1978). His television appearances included an adaptation of The Moon and Sixpence (1960), Long Day's Journey into Night (1973), Love Among the Ruins (1975), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1976), Brideshead Revisited (1981) and King Lear (1983).Olivier's honours included a knighthood (1947), a life peerage (1970) and the Order of Merit (1981). For his on-screen work he received four Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, five Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. The National Theatre's largest auditorium is named in his honour, and he is commemorated in the Laurence Olivier Awards, given annually by the Society of London Theatre. He was married three times, to the actresses Jill Esmond from 1930 to 1940, Vivien Leigh from 1940 to 1960, and Joan Plowright from 1961 until his death.

Note: These photos are 30, 40, and 50 years or older. There could be a light surface scratch, dimple, small crease, finger prints, fading, yellowing, bend, tear, food stain, etc. There are ones that do not have any defects at all. We will do the best to note all blemishes. THESE ARE TRULY RARE COLLECTOR'S ITEMS (Cool bonus on some of these >> many of them were Stamped "Property Of Paramount Studios etc." On The Back. We will try to make note of this in the individual listings) All of these photos were purchased years ago from the original collector! This collection contains a fantastic array of One of a Kind autographed photos that are both unique and RARE. These are from decades past and many have never been seen before now. Classic stars of the Golden Age of yesteryear available for a whole new generation! Plus familiar Hollywood or everyone! Additionally, when noted, the signatures are professionally authenticated by JSA (James Spence Authentication)! Get a piece of TV or movie memorabilia while it's still readily available! JSA (James Spence Authentication)! Get a piece of TV or movie memorabilia while it's still readily available!