Suzanne Farrington was far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, despite being the daughter of one of the most celebrated actresses of the 20th century—Vivien Leigh. As the sole child of Vivien Leigh and her first husband, Herbert Leigh Holman, Suzanne chose a life of quiet privacy over public fame. While her mother captured hearts on stage and screen, Suzanne preserved her memory and legacy with grace and humility. This article explores the personal, familial, and historical significance of Suzanne Farrington, diving into who she was, her relationships, and her understated yet influential presence.
Who is Suzanne Farrington?
Born as Suzanne Holman on October 12, 1933, in Marylebone, London, England, Suzanne Farrington was the only child of Vivien Leigh—the Oscar-winning actress best known for Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire—and her first husband, Herbert Leigh Holman. Though her name never appeared in Hollywood credits, Suzanne was an integral part of Vivien’s private world.
Vivien Leigh, passionate about acting, continued pursuing her career even after Suzanne’s birth, resulting in the child being primarily raised by her father and grandmother. Her upbringing was largely shielded from public view, contrasting sharply with her mother’s star-studded lifestyle.
Childhood in the Shadow of Stardom
Suzanne’s early years were marked by both privilege and distance. Born a month premature, she remained under medical care for weeks. Her mother, Vivien, was frequently on stage or on tour, and the parental duties were taken over by Herbert and his mother.
World War II further separated Suzanne from her family when she was sent to Canada for safety. By the time she returned to England, her mother had remarried—this time to the famous British actor Laurence Olivier in 1940.
Though Vivien and Suzanne had contact over the years, especially during school holidays, their bond was complicated. Vivien’s battle with bipolar disorder and her demanding schedule made consistent parenting difficult. Still, letters and diaries indicate that Vivien held deep affection and guilt regarding her relationship with Suzanne.
Suzanne Holman Becomes Suzanne Farrington
In December 1957, Suzanne married Robin Neville Farrington, a successful insurance executive. Their wedding took place at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, in London. The marriage lasted until Robin’s passing in 2002, marking 45 years of partnership.
They had three sons:
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Neville Farrington (born 1958)
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Jonathan Farrington (born 1961)
Unlike their grandmother Vivien, none of Suzanne’s children pursued careers in the entertainment industry. The family lived in Wiltshire and enjoyed a relatively private life away from the limelight.
Suzanne Farrington: Guardian of a Legacy
After Vivien Leigh’s death in 1967, Suzanne inherited her mother’s personal archive, which included letters, photos, diaries, and contracts. She played a critical role in ensuring that Vivien’s history was preserved and respectfully handled. Much of this collection was later donated or sold to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, providing scholars and fans rare insights into Vivien’s life and work.
Despite the allure of fame by association, Suzanne opted for discretion and privacy. Her decision not to capitalize on her lineage underscored her character and commitment to preserving her mother’s dignity, rather than indulging in public curiosity.
Is Suzanne Farrington Still Alive?
No, Suzanne Farrington passed away on March 1, 2015, at the age of 81, in Lower Zeals, Wiltshire, England. Her death was quiet, much like her life. No major cause of death was publicly disclosed, keeping in line with her lifelong commitment to privacy.
Suzanne Farrington Obituary and Cause of Death
Suzanne’s obituary appeared in major UK newspapers, briefly noting her as the daughter of Vivien Leigh and Herbert Leigh Holman, and as the wife of the late Robin Farrington. It mentioned her three sons and highlighted her role in preserving Vivien Leigh’s legacy.
The cause of death was never officially revealed. Given her age, many assume it was due to natural causes. Her family respected her wish for privacy, releasing minimal information to the public.
Suzanne Farrington Net Worth
There is no confirmed public estimate of Suzanne Farrington’s net worth. However, being the sole heir to Vivien Leigh’s estate, Suzanne likely inherited a considerable portion of her mother’s financial assets and memorabilia, including royalties and collectible items.
Some of Vivien’s personal items fetched substantial amounts when auctioned by the family. For example, in 2017, Sotheby’s held a record-breaking sale of Vivien Leigh’s belongings, including letters, furniture, and art—items once in Suzanne’s possession. These sales further suggest Suzanne’s wealth was tied more to legacy and art than to business ventures.
Suzanne Farrington’s Legacy and Public Image
Suzanne rarely gave interviews or made public appearances. She did, however, cooperate with Hugo Vickers, Vivien Leigh’s authorized biographer, providing access to her mother’s materials. This collaboration proved essential to telling Vivien’s story truthfully.
Her life was a testament to loyalty, restraint, and purpose—refusing to be defined by celebrity yet never denying her roots. Those who interacted with her described Suzanne as elegant, warm, and highly protective of her family’s history.
Brief Overview Chart
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suzanne Holman Farrington |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1933 |
| Place of Birth | Marylebone, London, England |
| Parents | Vivien Leigh & Herbert Leigh Holman |
| Spouse | Robin Neville Farrington (m. 1957–2002) |
| Children | Neville, Jonathan, Rupert Farrington |
| Died | March 1, 2015 (aged 81) |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly disclosed |
| Known For | Daughter of Vivien Leigh; guardian of her archives |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known; likely inherited from estate |
| Residence | Lower Zeals, Wiltshire, England |
Suzanne Farrington’s life could have easily turned into a spectacle given her famous lineage. But instead, she chose to be a silent curator of her mother’s history and an anchor for her family. She represents the understated side of fame—the one that values memory over media and legacy over limelight.
Her contribution to preserving the heritage of Vivien Leigh is invaluable. She ensured that future generations could learn from and appreciate the remarkable life and work of her mother without tarnishing its essence. Suzanne Farrington may not be a household name, but her influence in the realm of historical preservation is undeniable.
