Sir Ian McKellen has unveiled a blue plaque at the childhood home of the “unique and legendary” Sir Laurence Olivier.
Sir Laurence, who lived from 1907 to 1989, is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.
Unveiling the English Heritage plaque at Sir Laurence’s childhood home in Pimlico, central London, Sir Ian said he “lives on in the work of those actors who admired him and in the memory of audiences who were lucky enough to see him in person”.
Sir Laurence lived at 22 Lupus Street between the ages of six and 11, and was a choirboy at nearby St Saviour’s Church, while his father served as curate there.
A spokesman for English Heritage said the address was where Sir Laurence first began acting as a child and “where the foundations of his extraordinary theatrical and film career were laid”.
Known as Larry, he was said to have transformed a wooden box and a set of blue curtains into a makeshift stage, where he spent much of his time performing songs, dances and dramatic sketches.
During these years he attended All Saints School on Margaret Street, where his talent was recognised by the actress – and fellow blue plaque recipient – Ellen Terry, who reportedly declared that the 10-year-old was “already a great actor”.
Acclaimed actor Sir Ian said: “In his lifetime Laurence Olivier’s achievements, on stage and on screen, were unique and legendary.
“He was a Hollywood star, the first director of the National Theatre of Great Britain, producer, director, as well as actor.
“He lives on in the work of those actors who admired him and in the memory of audiences who were lucky enough to see him in person.”
Sir Laurence went on to train at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, before rising to prominence through performances in many Shakespeare productions including Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III and Henry V.
His film career brought him international fame through roles in Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, Marathon Man and Sleuth, while his 1944 film Henry V established him as a major director as well as an actor.
As founding director of the National Theatre, he helped shape the future of British theatre and championed a new generation of actors and playwrights.
He was honoured with a knighthood, a life peerage and the Order of Merit, while the Olivier Awards, which celebrate theatre productions, are named after him.
English Heritage senior historian Howard Spencer said: “Laurence Olivier transformed British theatre and film through the brilliance, range and intensity of his performances.
“What makes Lupus Street so special is that it is where it all began for Olivier, as an imaginative London child first discovering a love of performance.
“The plaque celebrates the formative home where one of Britain’s greatest cultural figures first found his voice as an actor.”