Why Did Olivia De Havilland Live in Paris?

By Alice Nichols

In the world of Hollywood Golden Age, few names are as prominent and iconic as Olivia de Havilland. The talented actress starred in numerous films throughout her career and was known for her beauty, grace, and undeniable talent.

However, despite being a Hollywood starlet, de Havilland spent much of her life living in Paris, France. So why did Olivia de Havilland live in Paris?

Early Life
Olivia de Havilland was born on July 1st, 1916 in Tokyo, Japan to British parents. Her family moved to California when she was young and she eventually began her acting career with Warner Bros. She quickly gained fame for her roles in films such as Captain Blood (1935), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and Gone with the Wind (1939). Despite this success, de Havilland’s personal life was tumultuous due to legal battles with Warner Bros over contract disputes.

Move to Paris
In the 1950s, after marrying her second husband Pierre Galante who was a French journalist and editor of Paris Match magazine, de Havilland decided to move to Paris permanently. She fell in love with the city’s art, culture, and way of life.

She once said:

“I loved the beauty of its monuments; I loved its clarity and sparkle; I loved the gardens; I loved the Seine; I loved its trees at dawn when they were still misty; I loved hearing Notre Dame’s great bell sounding through morning’s stillness.”

Career in France
Despite leaving Hollywood behind her, de Havilland continued to act in films while living in France. In fact, some of her most critically acclaimed work came from this period including The Heiress (1949) which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. She also appeared in several French films and became a respected member of the French film industry.

Later Life

De Havilland continued to live in Paris for the remainder of her life. She became a true citizen of the city, immersing herself in its culture and traditions. In 2010, she was awarded the Legion of Honour by French President Nicolas Sarkozy for her contributions to the arts.

Conclusion

So why did Olivia de Havilland live in Paris? The answer is simple: she fell in love with the city’s beauty and culture.

Despite being a Hollywood icon, de Havilland found a new home in France where she continued to pursue her acting career and immerse herself in French culture. Her love for Paris is evident through her words and her legacy will forever be tied to the city that she called home.