Sir Laurence Olivier honoured with English Heritage blue plaque at childhood home in Pimlico
Sir Laurence Olivier has been honoured with an English Heritage blue plaque at the Pimlico home where his passion for acting first began, recognising the early years of one of Britain’s most influential performers.
The plaque has been installed at 22 Lupus Street, where Olivier lived between the ages of six and 11 while his father served as curate at nearby St Saviour’s Church. It was unveiled by fellow actor Sir Ian McKellen, who paid tribute to Olivier’s lasting influence on British theatre and film.
McKellen described Olivier as a performer whose achievements “were unique and legendary”, highlighting his work as an actor, director, producer, Hollywood star and the founding director of the National Theatre.
According to family recollections, the future stage and screen icon spent hours performing at the Lupus Street house, turning a wooden box and blue curtains into a makeshift theatre where he entertained family with songs, dances and dramatic sketches.
During the same period, Olivier attended All Saints School, Margaret Street, where his talent was recognised by acclaimed actress Ellen Terry. She is said to have remarked that the 10-year-old boy was “already a great actor”.
Born in Surrey in 1907, Olivier later trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama before establishing himself as one of the leading Shakespearean actors of his generation. His performances in Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III and Henry V helped define his stage career, while films including Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, Marathon Man, and Sleuth brought him international recognition.
His 1944 film adaptation of Henry V also established Olivier as a major film director.
Olivier also played a significant role in shaping British theatre through his leadership as the founding director of the National Theatre, where he supported emerging actors and playwrights.
During his career he received a knighthood, was made a life peer and appointed to the Order of Merit. The annual Olivier Awards, celebrating excellence in British theatre, continue to bear his name.
The new blue plaque recognises the London address where Olivier’s theatrical ambitions first took shape, linking one of the capital’s ordinary residential streets with a figure whose career would leave a lasting mark on British cultural history.
English Heritage’s blue plaques celebrate buildings connected with people who have made significant contributions to the country’s history and culture.
For more information about the Blue Plaques scheme, visit the English Heritage website.
Explore more London history, arts and heritage stories at EyeOnLondon.
Image: Spudgun67
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