Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1952
Vivien Leigh A Streetcar Named Desire 1952
SEX WORKER ROLE
Marguerite Gautier in The Lady of the Camellias 1961
Character Is A Prostitute
Vivien Leigh in The Lady of the Camellias 1961
Vivien Leigh won the Oscar for playing Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” who some historians insist was a prostitute. However, this entry will discuss her role in “The Lady of the Camellias.” Alexandre Dumas wrote the play adapted from his novel of the same name. When she toured the world with that stage production, Vivien Leigh received unanimous praise. It chronicles the love story between a prostitute named Marguerite Gautier and a younger man. She is known around town as the Lady of the Camellias because of the way she advertises her services. When she wears a white camellia, she is available for sale. When she sports a red one, she is off-duty. In the story, Marguerite has tuberculosis and is not up to performing that day. Her decision to sacrifice herself for the happiness of her loved ones culminates everything.
Watch clip of the film version entitled “Camille”.
With Greta Garbo in the part of Marguerite Gautier.
To read more about other Oscar-winning actresses playing characters working in the sex trade industry, please continue perusing Oscar Hookers