Olivia De Havilland of 'Gone with the Wind' Turns 103
Legendary actress, Olivia de Havilland, is the last surviving star of “Gone With the Wind” and she just celebrated her 103rd birthday.
Olivia de Havilland is still up and about as she celebrated her 103rd birthday on July 1. The iconic actress garnered five Academy Award nominations for her 1939 hit “Gone With the Wind,” where she played the character of Melanie Hamilton Wilkes.
“Melanie was someone different. She had very deeply feminine qualities that I felt were very endangered at that time, and they are from generation to generation, and that somehow they should be kept alive,” she said of her role.
Happy Birthday beautiful Olivia! #OliviadeHavilland 🎈 pic.twitter.com/78SlFazu7Z
— Peri Gilpin (@GilpinPeri) July 1, 2019
De Havilland also won an Oscar for her work in “To Each His Own” and again for “The Heiress.” In 1960, she received a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her on-screen partner, Errol Flynn became her co-actor for many years in many movies.
Although they did fall in love in real life, their relationship could not prosper as Flynn was then married to another woman. However, their chemistry was still something fans longed for.
The legendary Olivia de Havilland, seen here in 1953 with Humphrey Bogart accepting the best actor and best actress trophies at the Picturegoer annual award luncheon at the iconic Savoy hotel in London, celebrates her 103rd birthday today! pic.twitter.com/gUuCJhShCY
— BogartEstate (@HumphreyBogart) July 1, 2019
It has been three decades since she retired from show business, yet her legacy lives on in Hollywood and is still appreciated by fans who adored her through social media on her special day.
“This is priceless, thank so much for sharing! God bless Dame Olivia, still going strong at 103!” one tweet read.
Wow 103? One of the most beautiful actors ever!
— KC 🏴 (@KLJCitsme) July 1, 2019
“One of the most beautiful actresses from the golden age and she’s still with us.” another said.
That is the cutest photo!
— Fred (@radley_atticus) July 1, 2019
"Miss Melanie" is 103 today? That's awesome!
— Ruth McNulty (@RuthMcNulty1969) July 2, 2019
What would Hollywood have been without Stars like Olivia de Havilland and Humphrey Bogart.
— Robert L. Smoot (@qyou185) July 2, 2019
In 2017, she was appointed as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen. Which made her “extremely proud.” She was given the title for her services in acting the genre of drama.
“To receive this honor as my 101st birthday approaches is the most gratifying of birthday presents,” she said.