How Did Vivien Leigh Die?
Vivien Leigh died of Tuberculosis on July 8, 1967, at age 53.
What was Vivien Leigh's cause of death?
Vivien Leigh died of tuberculosis on July 8, 1967, at her home in London at the age of 53. She had battled chronic tuberculosis for two decades alongside bipolar disorder. She was found by her partner Jack Merivale, who had stepped out only briefly; she had collapsed while her illness had flared. London's West End theatres dimmed their lights in tribute.
How old was Vivien Leigh when they died?
Vivien Leigh was 53 years old at the time of death.
When did Vivien Leigh die?
Vivien Leigh died on July 8, 1967.
Vivien Leigh Biography
Vivian Mary Hartley, known as Vivien Leigh, was born on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, British India. She achieved screen immortality as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind and won a second Best Actress Oscar for A Streetcar Named Desire, all while battling lifelong health struggles.
Personal Life
Who are Vivien Leigh's parents?
Unknown
Was Vivien Leigh married?
Vivien Leigh was married once, to Laurence Olivier (1940–1960).
Did Vivien Leigh have children?
Vivien Leigh had 1 child: Suzanne Farrington.
What religion was Vivien Leigh?
Vivien Leigh was Catholic.
What was Vivien Leigh's ethnicity?
Vivien Leigh was of British heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Gone with the Wind (1939) — Watch on Amazon
- Waterloo Bridge (1940) — Watch on Amazon
- A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) — Watch on Amazon
- Ship of Fools (1965) — Watch on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, IconFacts earns from qualifying purchases.
Awards
- Academy Award for Best Actress (1940)
- Academy Award for Best Actress (1952)
Facts About Vivien Leigh
- Won both her Best Actress Oscars for playing Southern belles
- Beat out hundreds of actresses to play Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind
- Was married to acting legend Laurence Olivier for twenty years
- Struggled for much of her life with bipolar disorder and tuberculosis
Vivien Leigh Quotes
"After all, tomorrow is another day."
Legacy
Vivien Leigh is remembered as one of the great tragic beauties of cinema, forever associated with the indomitable Scarlett O'Hara.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-08-17