Born in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, England; educated at the Laban Art of Movement Studio and the Old Vic Theatre School. One of the finest stage actresses of her generation, Plowright has played almost every major role in the classical repertory. She made her screen debut in John Huston's MOBY DICK (1956) and was acclaimed for her performance in the film adaptation of John Osborne's play, THE ENTERTAINER (1960), starring her future husband Laurence Olivier. Plowright has subsequently made selective appearances in films including EQUUS (1977), BRITANNIA HOSPITAL (1982), AVALON (1990), ENCHANTED APRIL (1991) and LAST ACTION HERO (1993). Other notable screen appearances include WIDOW'S PEAK (1994), THE SCARLET LETTER (1995), JANE EYRE, MR. WRONG, SURVIVING PICASSO and 101 DALMATIANS (all 1996), THE ASSISTANT (1997), DANCE WITH ME (1998), TEA WITH MUSSOLINI (1999), BACK TO THE SECRET GARDEN (2000), GLOBAL HERESY and CALLAS FOREVER (both 2002), BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE and I AM DAVID (both 2003), GEORGE AND THE DRAGON (2004), MRS. PALFREY AT THE CLAREMONT (2005), GOOSE ON THE LOOSE and CURIOUS GEORGE (voice) (both 2006), and THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, KNIFE EDGE, BRONTË and IN THE SHADOW OF WINGS (all scheduled for 2008). Plowright was married to Olivier from 1961 until his death in 1989. Their children, Julie Kate Olivier, Tamsin Olivier and Richard Olivier, have had brief film careers. Regarding her influence on Olivier's previous marriage, she once said: "I have always resented the comments that it was I who was the homewrecker of Larry's marriage to Vivien Leigh. Danny Kaye was attached to Larry far earlier than I." Awarded a C.B.E. (Order of the Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970.  Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 1992: ENCHANTED APRIL 1 nomination