Net Worth Ranker
What Is Vivien Leigh’s Net Worth?
Vivien Leigh, a celebrated British stage and screen actress, accumulated a net worth of $10 million during her four-decade-long career. Her financial success stemmed primarily from her acting roles in film, theater, and television, solidifying her status as one of classic Hollywood’s most prominent figures. This sum reflects her earnings from iconic performances and smart financial management throughout her life.
Early Career and Rise to Stardom
Vivian Hartley, later known as Vivien Leigh, was born on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, British India. Her early exposure to literature and performing arts, cultivated by her mother, Gertrude, laid a strong foundation for her future career. While specific financial details of her early life are scarce, her enrollment at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London indicates a significant investment in her education, suggesting a family capable of supporting her artistic pursuits. She discontinued her studies after marrying in 1932. This early marriage, while impacting her formal education, set the stage for her entry into the professional acting world.
Leigh’s early career gained momentum when she was spotted by film producer Alexander Korda during a performance in the play “The Mask of Virtue” in 1935. Korda, impressed by her talent, offered her a contract, marking her official entry into the film industry. Simultaneously, her performance captivated Laurence Olivier, who would become her future husband and frequent acting partner. In 1937, they appeared together in the film “Fire Over England,” which provided an early boost to both their careers. In 1938, Leigh appeared in “A Yank at Oxford” and “Sidewalks of London”.
“Gone with the Wind” and Hollywood Dominance
Vivien Leigh’s defining role came in 1939 when she portrayed Scarlett O’Hara in David O. Selznick’s production of “Gone with the Wind.” The film, adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s novel, became an instant classic and a monumental success. Although specific salary details from her contract for “Gone with the Wind” are not publicly available, it is known that the film became the highest-grossing film of all time upon its release, adjusted for inflation. This achievement brought Leigh widespread recognition and significantly increased her market value as an actress. The film won 10 Academy Awards, including the Best Actress award for Leigh, further cementing her status as a top-tier Hollywood star. Her success in “Gone with the Wind” not only boosted her immediate earnings but also ensured her continued demand in the film industry, contributing substantially to her overall net worth.
Following the success of “Gone with the Wind,” Leigh continued to star in commercially successful films, further solidifying her financial standing. In 1940, she starred opposite Robert Taylor in “Waterloo Bridge,” which was a box-office hit. That same year, she also appeared alongside Laurence Olivier in the British film “21 Days.” The following year, in 1941, Leigh and Olivier reunited for the historical drama “That Hamilton Woman,” which also performed well at the box office. The consistent success of these films added significantly to her income during this period, reinforcing her reputation as a bankable star.
Later Career and Continued Success
After a four-year hiatus from the screen, Leigh returned to acting with “Caesar and Cleopatra” in 1945, starring alongside Claude Rains. Although the film was not a significant commercial success, Leigh’s involvement demonstrated her commitment to her craft despite personal challenges, including a miscarriage during production that led to depression. Following this, she starred in the 1948 British film adaptation of “Anna Karenina,” which also failed to achieve substantial box-office success.
Despite these setbacks, Leigh made a triumphant comeback in 1951 with her portrayal of Blanche DuBois in Elia Kazan’s film adaptation of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” She had previously played this role on stage, bringing a depth of understanding and nuance to the character. Co-starring Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, and Karl Malden, the film was a critical and commercial success. Leigh’s performance earned her a second Academy Award for Best Actress, re-establishing her as one of the leading actresses of her time. While specific salary details are not publicly available, this award undoubtedly led to increased opportunities and financial gains.
In the later stages of her career, Leigh appeared in “The Deep Blue Sea” in 1955, followed by “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone” in 1961. Her final film role was in Stanley Kramer’s ensemble drama “Ship of Fools” in 1965. These roles showcased her versatility and enduring appeal as an actress, although the financial impact of these later roles may not have been as significant as her earlier successes. Throughout her career, Leigh balanced her film roles with stage performances, which contributed to her reputation and income.
Theater Career and Awards
Vivien Leigh’s theater career was as impressive as her film career, contributing significantly to her overall income and net worth. She performed in plays by renowned playwrights such as George Bernard Shaw, Thornton Wilder, Tennessee Williams, Noël Coward, and Anton Chekhov. Her frequent collaborations with Laurence Olivier in Shakespearean plays were particularly notable. Together, they brought these classic works to life, attracting large audiences and earning critical acclaim. In 1943, Leigh and Olivier toured North Africa, entertaining British troops as part of the Old Vic Spring Party, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the war effort while also keeping their profiles high.
In 1961, Leigh and Olivier toured the Southern Hemisphere with the Old Vic, performing a range of plays that further enhanced their international reputation and earning potential. One of the highlights of her theater career was winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1963 for her role in “Tovarich.” This award not only recognized her talent but also increased her visibility, potentially leading to higher fees for future performances. Although specific financial details of her theater earnings are not publicly available, the combination of ticket sales, touring revenue, and awards significantly contributed to her overall net worth.
Personal Life and Relationships
Vivien Leigh’s personal life, particularly her relationships, had indirect financial implications. Her first marriage was to barrister Herbert Leigh Holman in 1932, and they had a daughter named Suzanne. They divorced in 1940, during her affair with Laurence Olivier. While the specific financial terms of the divorce from Holman are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that a settlement was reached, potentially affecting her financial situation at the time. Her subsequent marriage to Laurence Olivier in 1940 was a high-profile event, but the couple had to navigate the strict ethical codes of Hollywood, which initially required them to keep their relationship somewhat private. This discretion likely had little direct financial impact.
Leigh and Olivier remained married until 1960. The dissolution of their marriage also likely involved a financial settlement, the details of which are not publicly disclosed. Following their divorce, Leigh began a relationship with actor John Merivale. These personal relationships and life events, while not directly increasing her net worth, influenced her lifestyle and career choices, ultimately playing a role in her overall financial management.
Health Struggles and Impact on Career
Vivien Leigh faced numerous health challenges, including bipolar disorder and recurrent bouts of chronic tuberculosis, which had significant implications for her career and financial stability. Her bipolar disorder, in particular, caused periods of intense emotional instability, making it difficult to maintain a consistent work schedule. These health struggles likely led to missed opportunities and reduced earnings over time. Additionally, she suffered from depression after two miscarriages, further impacting her ability to work consistently.
In the spring of 1967, Leigh’s tuberculosis resurfaced, requiring intensive medical treatment. Although initially it seemed to be under control, her health deteriorated rapidly. On July 8, 1967, she was found dead in her bedroom by her boyfriend, John Merivale. Her untimely death at the age of 53 cut short her career, preventing her from further accumulating wealth. While the exact financial impact of her health struggles on her net worth cannot be precisely quantified, it is clear that they played a significant role in limiting her earning potential and affecting her overall financial trajectory. By the time of her death, Vivien Leigh’s net worth was estimated at $10 million, a testament to her talent and hard work despite facing numerous personal and health-related challenges.
