Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1940
Vivien Leigh Gone With The Wind 1940
SEX WORKER ROLE
Myra Lester in Waterloo Bridge 1940
Character Is A Prostitute
Vivien Leigh in Waterloo Bridge 1940
The source material for “Waterloo Bridge” has been adapted into a play, three film adaptations, and three radio dramas. The plot centers on a ballet dancer who becomes a prostitute after enduring a series of unfortunate events. This film was Vivien’s follow-up to her star-making, Oscar-winning role as Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With The Wind.” Vivien stated that “Waterloo Bridge” was one of her favorites of all her films.
Honorable Mention: Vivien also won the Oscar for playing Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, who some historians insist was a prostitute.
Watch clip of the film “Waterloo Bridge” below
Vivien played more than one hooker role.
Go to Vivien Leigh A Streetcar Named Desire 1952 to read her other prostitute role.
To read more about other Oscar-winning actresses playing characters working in the sex trade industry, please continue perusing Oscar Hookers