Dame Joan Plowright, acclaimed British actress, passes away at 95

Dame Joan Plowright, one of Britain’s most acclaimed stage and screen stars, has passed at the age of 95. 

Known for her remarkable 60-year career, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the 1991 film Enchanted April. 

Plowright, who married legendary actor Sir Laurence Olivier in 1961, was a key figure in the National Theatre, which he founded.

In a statement, her family expressed their pride in her achievements and remembered her as a “loving and deeply inclusive human being.” They shared that she passed away peacefully on 16 January 2025, surrounded by family at Denville Hall, having been retired for a decade due to blindness. 

“She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex, filled with visits from loved ones, laughter, and fond memories,” the family said.

Plowright was born in Scunthorpe and rose to prominence in London's West End in the 1950s. She first worked with Olivier in The Entertainer (1957), later starring opposite him in the film version. Their partnership, both personal and professional, garnered critical acclaim, with both receiving Bafta nominations.

Her Broadway career flourished with a Tony Award-winning performance in A Taste of Honey (1960), and she continued to build her reputation on stage with performances in George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan (1963) and the West End production Filumena (1978). Plowright also received a Bafta nomination for her role in the film Equus (1977), starring alongside Richard Burton.

Her portrayal of Mrs. Fisher in Enchanted April earned her both a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1993. She was also known for her role in Tea with Mussolini (1999), where she starred alongside fellow acting dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Eileen Atkins.

Plowright made her final public appearance in the 2018 BBC documentary Nothing Like a Dame, where she enjoyed playful banter with her fellow acting legends. 

West End theatres will dim their lights for two minutes on Tuesday to honor the late Dame.