Orson Welles : Similarities to Laurence Olivier

Similarities to Laurence Olivier

I'm struck by the similarities between Laurence Olivier and Orson Welles.

They were both actors and directors.

Both appeared on stage.

Both appeared in Shakespearean films and both loved to wear heavy makeup and disguise their voices. Both portrayed Othello on screen.

They both possessed natural resonant voices and both were considered geniuses.

Both married great beauties [Vivien Leigh and Rita Hayworth]. Both wives faced terrible hardships.

Both were said to have wasted their talent in later years.

Both were also considered to be romantic idols in their youth as well as brilliant actors.

Welles spent almost a decade [1948-1956] living and working in Europe. Olivier spent the years 1931-33 and 1938-1940 living and working in the United States. Olivier also had a ten year absence from Hollywood before returning to appear in CARRIE [1950, released 1952].

Both have birthdays in May.

Re: Similarities to Laurence Olivier

Top