Laurence Olivier Burial Location
Laurence Olivier is buried at Westminster Abbey in London, England. The site is in the nave of the abbey, near the grave of Sir Charles Laughton, another famous actor. The burial follows his death on July 11, 1989, and his ashes were placed in the abbey as a memorial to his work in theater and film Westminster Abbey official page.
The exact spot is in the central nave, close to other notable figures such as Charles Dickens and Sir Isaac Newton. The memorial uses a simple stone marker rather than a large tomb, consistent with the abbey's tradition for distinguished individuals. The location is open to the public during regular visiting hours, and it remains one of the most visited actor graves in the United Kingdom London Tourist Info.
Westminster Abbey as a Burial Site
Westminster Abbey is a Gothic church in the City of Westminster and has served as a burial place for over 3,300 people since the 13th century. It is not a cathedral but a Royal Peculiar, meaning it falls directly under the jurisdiction of the British monarch. The abbey hosts state funerals, coronations, and royal weddings, and its grounds include the Poets' Corner, Scientists' Corner, and dedicated areas for military and political figures.
The abbey's burial records are maintained by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, and interments require approval from the UK government and the abbey authorities. Laurence Olivier's inclusion reflects his status as one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, with a career spanning stage, film, and television. The site is managed by a charitable foundation and receives funding from admissions, donations, and government grants Westminster Abbey About.
Laurence Olivier's Legacy and Memorial Details
Laurence Olivier was born on May 14, 1907, in Dorking, Surrey, and died on July 11, 1989, in Steyning, West Sussex. He was knighted in 1947, created a life peer as Baron Olivier of Brighton in 1970, and received the Order of Merit in 1981. His career included landmark performances in Shakespearean roles, and he directed and starred in films such as Henry V, Hamlet, and Richard III.
The memorial at Westminster Abbey includes a small plaque and is often visited by fans of classic cinema and theater. The abbey does not publish a specific grave number for Olivier, but the location is well known to guides and staff. His burial place is cited in biographies, theater histories, and film reference works as a key site for admirers of British acting Britannica biography.