Sir Ian McKellen has unveiled a blue plaque at the childhood home of the legendary actor Sir Laurence Olivier, whom he described as unique and legendary. The English Heritage plaque was installed at 22 Lupus Street in Pimlico, central London, where Olivier lived from ages six to 11.
Olivier's Early Life and Career
Born in 1907, Olivier is considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. At Lupus Street, he first discovered his love for performance, creating a makeshift stage from a wooden box and blue curtains. He attended All Saints School, where actress Ellen Terry recognized his talent, declaring the 10-year-old already a great actor.
Olivier trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and rose to prominence in Shakespearean roles such as Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III, and Henry V. His film career included classics like Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, Marathon Man, and Sleuth. His 1944 film Henry V established him as a major director.
Legacy and Honors
As founding director of the National Theatre, Olivier shaped British theatre and championed new talent. He was knighted, made a life peer, and awarded the Order of Merit. The Olivier Awards are named in his honor.
Speaking at the unveiling, McKellen said: In his lifetime, Laurence Olivier's achievements on stage and screen were unique and legendary. He lives on in the work of actors who admired him and in the memory of audiences lucky enough to see him in person.
English Heritage senior historian Howard Spencer added: Laurence Olivier transformed British theatre and film. Lupus Street is where it all began, as a child discovering a love of performance. The plaque celebrates the formative home where one of Britain's greatest cultural figures first found his voice as an actor.
