Laurence Olivier interview from 1983, part 2 of 2

He tells of problem with stage fright, his all-too-numerous film roles, his drinking and swearing tendencies.

Go here to view part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQeQD_5g-V0

Then some commentary on "Marathon Man" and recounts his famous crack directed to Dustin Hoffman and method acting, plus some discussion of the final scene in "Richard III".

clips from films of "Othello" and "Richard III"

From the "UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography" (2003):

Ed's gift for winning his subjects confidence was also crucial when he interviewed actor Laurence Olivier, who was ill at the time. There was some doubt about whether Olivier would have the stamina to complete the interview, but as the producer retold it, gradually, prodded by Ed's questions, the frail old man who had tottered into the room became Laurence Olivier, the actor.

The interview went on for another hour and a half as Laurence Olivier and Ed jousted with each other. When Jeanne finally said cut; neither had fallen off his horse, and we wrapped one of the more memorable 60 Minutes interviews.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Shakespeare
• Laurence-Olivier
• RichardIII
• Marathon-Man
• acting
• theatre
• performing
• arts

[Cagney888]

Where on Earth did you get this wonderful interview?!?! Thank you so much for posting!!

[ShakespeareAndMore]

I found the interview on an old VHS tape of mine, I evidently recorded it back in '83...If I knew YouTube was coming in the future, I woulda recorded more stuff and saved more of those old tapes!

[krisj827]

I love that Olivier didn't do method acting. I have nothing against method acting, but like Olivier said acting is make believe.

[CaptainConfederacy]

Classic comment: "Why don't you try acting, dear boy? It's so much easier."

[csawyer55]

Search Shakespeare in the Kitchen-14 characters in 14 weeks

[418sadeyes]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!  Thank you for sharing!!!

[laurarpeter]

@retread01

Retread, after reviewing my comments I have to agree with you that I was harsh and judgmental. It's not like me and I have no excuse for my criticisms of their life together. I feel like a putz. I am trying to think back three months ago of why the hell would I feel that way to write it? Sheesh, I think I shall pause before posting in the future.

[retread01]

@laurarpeter Well let's hope you don't ever find yourself in his position, of choosing between helping someone that cannot be helped, destroying your own life in the process, or saying I can't do this any more'. Only have one life, you can't tie yourself to a sinking stone just because some third party who doesn't understand thinks you should.

[bowler8]

simply love him

[laurarpeter]

Wow. H e really blew Vivien Leigh off, huh? She was drowning and he couldn't be pulled in after 19yrs of marriage? I am disappointed in his choice of words on this matter. Maybe he is one of those egotistical actors that only thinks of himself? He seems rather self centered like most people who choose acting as a way to continue to be a show off. Callous of him.  I know he is dead now, and I am not speaking ill - just giving my opinion.

[hudois]

His Narration for The World at War was Absolutely BRILLIANT. He created a Benchmark that I personally don't believe has ever been bettered since.

[geraberl]

Is it safe? Many thanks for this.

[TheJazzlady40]

Lord olivier what an interview

[kezadrone]

Clove oil is outstanding for dental pain. Only thing is it wears off too fast before long you'll need more.

Anyway what an actor what a bloody actor.