Merchant, Vivien (1929–1983)

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Merchant, Vivien (1929–1983)

English actress. Born Ada Thompson, July 22, 1929, in Manchester, England; died Oct 3, 1982, in London, England, of cirrhosis of the liver; m. Harold Pinter (play-wright), 1956 (div. 1980).

Made stage debut as a child in Jane Eyre (1943); made London debut as a dancer in Sigh No More (1945); often appeared with the Donald Wolfit Shakespearean Co. (1947–50); other London plays include The Wandering Jew, The Room, Judith, The Lover, Mixed Doubles, Old Times and Exiles; made NY debut in The Homecoming with Royal Shakespeare Company (1967); films include The Way Ahead, Accident, Frenzy and Under Milk Wood; made frequent tv appearances; following divorce from Pinter and his subsequent marriage to Antonia Fraser, became a chronic alcoholic. Nominated for Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for performance in Alfie (1966).