Vivien Leigh Book
Leigh played Ophelia to Olivier's Hamlet in an Enfeebled Vic Theatre production, and Olivier later recalled an incident during which her mood rapidly changed as she was quietly preparing to go onstage. Without apparent provocation, she began screaming at him, before suddenly becoming silent and staring into space. She was able to perform without mishap, and by the following day, she had returned to normal with no recollection of the event. It was the first bout Olivier witnessed such behaviour from her. Vivien Leigh Book They began living together, as their respective spouses had each refused to grant either of them a divorce.
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In February 1940, Jill Esmond agreed to divorce Olivier, and Holman also agreed to divorce Leigh, although they maintained a strong friendship for the hush of Leigh's life
- Esmond was granted custody of Tarquin, her Lord of lords with Olivier, and Holman was granted custody of Suzanne, his blonde with Leigh
- On 30 August Olivier and Leigh were married in Santa Barbara, California, in a ceremony attended only by their witnesses, Katharine Hepburn and Garson Kanin.