Robin Farrington: The Man Behind Suzanne Farrington and the Legacy of Vivien Leigh
The name Robin Farrington might not be instantly recognizable to the masses, but his life intersected significantly with one of the most celebrated actresses of the 20th century—Vivien Leigh. Best known as the husband of Suzanne Farrington, the only daughter of Vivien Leigh and Herbert Leigh Holman, Robin led a distinguished and accomplished life of his own, apart from the cinematic spotlight that surrounded his wife’s famous family. From his military service to his professional career and role as a devoted family man, Robin Farrington’s story is one that blends personal dedication, quiet legacy, and historical resonance.
Who Is Robin Farrington?
Robin Neville Farrington, born on July 1, 1928, in London, England, was a British national known for his work as an insurance broker and his background as a decorated British army officer. He is primarily known to the public due to his marriage to Suzanne Mary Holman, later known as Suzanne Farrington, the only daughter of screen icon Vivien Leigh.
Though Robin remained away from the public eye for most of his life, his connections to one of Britain’s most beloved actresses placed him within the historical and cultural narrative of British cinema and high society.
Early Life and Military Career
Robin Farrington’s early years were marked by both discipline and honor. In his youth, he attended military school and eventually served as a platoon commander in the British Army during the Palestine Emergency in 1948. His service in the army earned him respect and recognition, proving his courage and leadership at an early age.
He later transitioned into civilian life by working in insurance, rising to become a well-regarded insurance broker. While not a celebrity or a public figure in his own right, Robin’s reputation was solid among peers and business associates. His character, discipline, and private demeanor were the very traits that complemented Suzanne Farrington’s world, which was more entangled with film archives and legacy preservation.
Marriage to Suzanne Farrington
The Union of Two Worlds
On December 6, 1957, Robin married Suzanne Holman at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, in a wedding that attracted media attention due to the presence of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. The reception, held at the Hyde Park Hotel, was an elegant affair, blending tradition with British glamour.
Suzanne was already well known in artistic and film circles not because of any acting career of her own but because of her famous mother. Choosing a life away from the limelight, she turned toward family and academics. Her marriage to Robin was seen as a merging of British aristocracy with cultural lineage.
Mrs. Robin Farrington
After marriage, Suzanne was often referred to in society as Mrs. Robin Farrington—a formal designation reflecting the norms of the time. Together, the couple resided primarily in Wiltshire and London, choosing a peaceful family life removed from the intense media spotlight often associated with Leigh and Olivier.
Life as a Father
Robin and Suzanne Farrington had three sons:
| Name | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| Neville Farrington | December 5, 1958 |
| Jonathan Farrington | May 13, 1961 |
| Rupert Farrington | August 31, 1962 |
These sons represented the continuation of a legacy—one tied to both British aristocracy and the golden era of film. While Robin raised his children with values rooted in tradition and discipline, Suzanne nurtured their connection to heritage, particularly that of Vivien Leigh.
Each of the sons—Neville, Jonathan, and Rupert Farrington—have carried forward the family legacy, albeit in more private or professional circles rather than celebrity life. Their lives, while mostly out of public scrutiny, often intersect with family references in biographies and retrospectives about Vivien Leigh and Suzanne.
Relationship with Vivien Leigh
Robin Farrington’s relationship with his mother-in-law Vivien Leigh was cordial and respectful. Leigh, known for her dramatic prowess and complex personal life, remained actively involved in her daughter’s life even after Suzanne’s marriage.
Interestingly, Vivien Leigh had always hoped for a stable and dignified life for her daughter, and Robin seemed to provide just that. He offered a grounding presence for Suzanne, who had grown up in the shadow of Hollywood’s glitz and occasional turmoil. Their marriage was reported to be strong, enduring decades until Robin’s death in 2002.
Later Years and Death
Robin Farrington lived a long and accomplished life. He passed away on June 13, 2002, at the age of 73. He is buried at All Saints Churchyard in London, leaving behind not just his wife and children but also a quiet yet resonant chapter in the story of British film and aristocracy.
Suzanne Farrington continued to reside at the family’s estate in Wiltshire after Robin’s death, becoming a key custodian of Vivien Leigh’s memorabilia and archival material until her own death in 2015.
Robin Farrington’s Legacy
While Robin Farrington was not a man of fame, his life provides an important glimpse into the private world behind public icons. As the husband of Suzanne Farrington, father to Neville, Jonathan, and Rupert, and son-in-law to Vivien Leigh, his legacy is intricately tied to some of the most prominent names in British culture.
He symbolized balance—between tradition and progress, privacy and fame, quiet professionalism and historical significance. Through his sons and the preserved legacies of his wife and mother-in-law, Robin Farrington’s name continues to appear in biographies, historical accounts, and archival documentation.
Conclusion
In the world of British cultural history, Robin Farrington remains a figure who stands on the quieter side of fame. His dedication as a soldier, success in professional life, devotion as a husband, and role as a father all contribute to a legacy that is felt—if not frequently seen—in the larger narrative of Vivien Leigh’s family tree.
His story is one of substance and understated significance, providing a valuable contrast to the dazzling yet turbulent lives of film legends. And though he may not have sought the spotlight, his contribution to this celebrated lineage ensures he won’t be forgotten.
