Skip to content

Learn How to Pronounce Vivien Leigh | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Vivien Leigh

Quick Answer: The name Vivien Leigh is pronounced [ˈvɪviən ˈliː].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Vivien Leigh, born Vivian Mary Hartley on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, India, was a preeminent British actress whose legendary status in classic Hollywood cinema was cemented by two of the most iconic performances in film history. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the indomitable Southern belle Scarlett O'Hara in the 1939 epic 'Gone with the Wind,' a role that demanded immense emotional range and forever linked her to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Leigh secured her second Oscar for her devastatingly nuanced performance as the fragile Blanche DuBois in the 1951 adaptation of Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' directed by Elia Kazan. Beyond her celebrated film career, she was a dedicated theatre actress, frequently performing on the London stage with the Old Vic company, often alongside her then-husband Sir Laurence Olivier. Despite a lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder and tuberculosis, Vivien Leigh's legacy endures as a benchmark of dramatic intensity, ethereal beauty, and unparalleled artistry in the performing arts.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling to note is the actress's professional name, Vivien Leigh. A common point of confusion arises from her birth name, which was Vivian Mary Hartley. The shift from "Vivian" to "Vivien" for her stage name is a key distinction. Frequent misspellings and typos include: "Vivian Leigh" (using the 'a'), "Vivienne Leigh" (adding an extra 'n' and 'e', perhaps influenced by the French spelling), and "Vivianne Leigh." Other errors involve the last name, such as "Vivien Lee" or "Vivian Lea." In written references, it is also not uncommon to see her iconic film incorrectly titled as "Gone With the Wind" (with a capitalized "With") rather than the correct 'Gone with the Wind.' Ensuring the correct spelling of her name and her most famous works is crucial for accuracy in both historical and cinematic discourse.

Example Sentences

Scholars of film often cite Vivien Leigh's ability to convey Scarlett O'Hara's ruthless ambition and vulnerability as a masterclass in character development.

Despite the immense fame from Gone with the Wind, Leigh herself held a deep preference for the rigorous demands of live theatre, frequently returning to the London stage.

Her performance in A Streetcar Named Desire is studied for its meticulous depiction of psychological unraveling and poetic despair.

The turbulent personal life and health struggles of Vivien Leigh have, at times, overshadowed the disciplined craft and formidable intelligence she brought to every role.

To see a photograph of Vivien Leigh from the 1930s is to witness the very definition of luminous, classic Hollywood glamour.

Related Pronunciations


📂 Browse all words in the Hollywood and British Actors category ➔