It is very unfortunate that many young people today do not know who the great Olivia de Havilland is. While just about everyone knows classic films like Gone with the Wind and The Adventures of Robin Hood, many are unaware that one of the stars of such films is still alive today. Although she is retired, the 101-year-old de Havilland is just as vibrant as ever. She made headlines recently when she sued FX for their unfair portrayal of her in Feud.
de Havilland has cemented her status as Hollywood royalty several times over, winning two Academy Awards and a plethora of other honors. As fans of Feud may wonder who she is, it is important to understand her incredible background. de Havilland has helped shape the entertainment industry as people know it today, and her story deserves to be told. For those who are wondering about who she is as a person, here are five of the most interesting facts about the distinguished Olivia de Havilland.
5. She got her big break thanks to a local theater
Many decades ago, long before she became the star that would help define Hollywood’s “Golden Age,” de Havilland was performing in local theater. One of her performances was in a showing of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. By a stroke of good fortune, director Max Reinhardt happened to be in the audience. She was invited to portray Hermia in his production of the same play, a performance which earned her a contract with Warner Bros.
4. She was never in a relationship with Errol Flynn
One of the most enduring aspects of the “Golden Age” of Hollywood are its incredible romances. de Havilland and Errol Flynn were one of the most popular and prolific on-screen couples, starring in nine films together. However, despite their irresistible chemistry, the two never took their romance home. de Havilland has stated that there were certainly romantic feelings between the two. However, they simply never manifested in a relationship.
3. She had a public rivalry with her sister
One of the most interesting facts about de Havilland is that her sister, Joan Fontaine, is also an Oscar-winner. One might think that the two would be inseparable, considering their talent and success in the same field. However, this was not the case.
The two had a long-standing feud that culminated when they refused to acknowledge each other after winning Academy Awards. In fact, the two would go on to spend decades without speaking to one another. Ultimately, de Havilland expressed her sadness at the news that her sister had passed.
2. She changed the landscape of Hollywood
de Havilland’s iconic performances in classic films have certainly helped define acting today. However, she has also had a much more concrete effect on Hollywood today. During her career, de Havilland became extremely frustrated that she was not being offered good parts, and was looking forward to the end of her contract with Warner Brothers. When the contract ended, however, the company attempted to add extra time.
de Havilland took the company to court and eventually won. Thanks to her bravery, what is known as the “de Havilland rule” was established, which limits contracts with production companies to seven years.
1. She is still having an impact today
While the de Havilland rule was established over half a century ago, it is still making a serious impact today. Although its initial interpretation was for actors, it was successfully applied to music by the talented Jared Leto in recent years. Thus, de Havilland’s actions in the 1940s are still making an impact today. She expressed her happiness that she could still help others so long after winning her trial.
Final Thoughts
Olivia de Havilland is one of the most iconic, talented, and praised actors in the history of Hollywood. Perhaps even more important than her talent, however, is her courage. By standing up for herself in the 1940s, de Havilland has helped generations of actors avoid being manipulated and taken advantage of by production companies. Even more impressively, the impact of her actions is being felt today in other industries, such as music. Very few individuals can boast having such an enduring impact on others’ lives.
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