Neville Farrington – Grandson of Vivien Leigh and Keeper of a Hollywood Legacy

Vivien Leigh, the legendary actress who brought Scarlett O’Hara to life in Gone with the Wind, remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. While her life, career, and marriages have been well documented, less attention has been given to her descendants — particularly her grandson Neville Farrington. His life reflects both the privilege and privacy that come with being part of a famous lineage. This article explores Neville’s biography, his family history, and the fascinating connections to Vivien Leigh, while addressing related questions about Leigh’s life, motherhood, and relationships.

Early Life of Neville Farrington

Neville Leigh Farrington was born on December 5, 1958, as the first son of Suzanne Farrington (Vivien Leigh’s only child) and her husband Robin Neville Farrington. He grew up in England, far removed from the Hollywood spotlight that defined his grandmother’s life.

Unlike Vivien, who lived her life under public scrutiny, Neville maintained a low profile. His upbringing was comfortable, surrounded by family heritage and the remnants of Vivien Leigh’s legacy, but without the constant media intrusion. His mother, Suzanne, had deliberately chosen a quieter existence after experiencing the pressures of being the child of a famous star.

Family Background and Famous Lineage

Neville’s maternal grandmother, Vivien Leigh, was an Academy Award–winning actress whose career spanned both stage and screen. His grandfather, Herbert Leigh Holman, was a London barrister and the first husband of Vivien Leigh. After their divorce, Vivien married actor Laurence Olivier, but her daughter Suzanne remained primarily in the care of her father and grandmother.

Neville had two younger brothers — Jonathan Farrington (born 1961) and Rupert Farrington — making them the only three grandchildren of Vivien Leigh.

What Happened to Suzanne Farrington?

Suzanne Farrington (born October 12, 1933) was Vivien Leigh’s only child. Despite being the daughter of one of the most celebrated actresses of her time, Suzanne led a relatively private life.

During Vivien’s marriage to Laurence Olivier, Suzanne lived mostly with her father, visiting her mother during school holidays. This arrangement meant that Suzanne’s relationship with Vivien was loving but somewhat distant, shaped by long periods apart.

In 1957, Suzanne married Robin Farrington, with whom she had three sons — Neville, Jonathan, and Rupert. After Vivien’s death in 1967, Suzanne inherited many of her mother’s personal possessions, letters, and archives. She passed away on March 1, 2015, at the age of 81, in Wiltshire, England.

Who Are the Grandchildren of Suzanne Farrington?

Suzanne’s grandchildren do not exist — instead, her sons (Neville, Jonathan, Rupert) are the grandchildren of Vivien Leigh. These three men represented the next generation of the Leigh-Holman family line.

Neville, as the eldest, carried forward the family name and heritage. While little is publicly known about his professional life, his role as a custodian of family legacy was significant.

Did Vivien Leigh Have Any Grandchildren?

Yes. Vivien Leigh’s three grandchildren were:

1. Neville Farrington – Eldest son of Suzanne.

2. Jonathan Farrington – Middle child.

3. Rupert Farrington – Youngest son.

These three men were Vivien’s only grandchildren, as Suzanne never had any daughters.

Is Vivien Leigh Still Alive?

No. Vivien Leigh died on July 8, 1967, at the age of 53. The cause of death was complications from tuberculosis, a disease she had battled intermittently for years. Her untimely passing ended one of the most celebrated acting careers of the 20th century.

Did Vivien Leigh Love Her Daughter?

Vivien Leigh did love her daughter, Suzanne, but her devotion to acting often conflicted with motherhood. In interviews, Vivien candidly admitted:

“I loved my baby as every mother does, but with the clear-cut sincerity of youth I realised that I could not abandon all thought of a career on the stage.”

This reflects the complex reality of their relationship — one of affection, but also distance due to Vivien’s work schedule, illnesses, and international commitments.

Did Vivien Leigh Get Along with Clark Gable?

Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, co-stars in Gone with the Wind, had a professional and friendly relationship. They shared mutual respect, but some accounts suggest Vivien disliked Gable’s smoking habit, particularly during kissing scenes. Nevertheless, their on-screen chemistry remains iconic, cementing their performances as cinematic history.

Did Vivien Leigh Raise Her Daughter?

Not fully. Following Vivien’s divorce from Herbert Leigh Holman, Suzanne lived primarily with her father and grandmother. Vivien remained a presence in her daughter’s life but was not the primary caregiver. This arrangement allowed Vivien to continue her acting career but also contributed to the emotional distance between mother and daughter.

Did Vivien Leigh Wear a Wig?

Yes. Vivien Leigh often wore wigs in both her stage and film roles. For Gone with the Wind, she wore elaborate period hairstyles, many of which were wigs or hairpieces. She continued to use wigs throughout her career, both for fashion and practicality, and some of her wigs have since become valuable auction items.

Neville Farrington’s Later Life and Passing

Neville Farrington kept a private lifestyle, rarely appearing in public or giving interviews about his famous grandmother. He lived most of his life in the UK, surrounded by family and friends.

In February 2025, Neville passed away at the age of 65, reportedly from lung cancer. His death marked the loss of Vivien Leigh’s eldest grandchild, closing a chapter in the family’s history.

Legacy and Family Heritage

Neville Farrington’s legacy is intertwined with the enduring fame of Vivien Leigh. While he chose a life far from the spotlight, his connection to one of cinema’s greatest icons ensured that his name will always be linked to Hollywood history.

Through Suzanne and her three sons, Vivien Leigh’s personal legacy extended beyond the stage and screen. The Farrington family preserved many of her personal items, letters, and mementos, keeping alive the memory of an actress whose influence remains powerful decades after her death.

Conclusion

Neville Farrington lived a quiet, dignified life, avoiding the glare of fame while honoring his family’s remarkable history. His story reminds us that the descendants of legends often choose privacy over publicity, cherishing the personal over the public.

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