Italian postcard by Bromofoto, Milano, no. 214. Photo: Victory Rank. Publicity still for Hamlet (Laurence Olivier, 1948). Sir Laurence Olivier (1907-1989) was one of the most famous and revered actors of the 20th century. The Brit played a wide variety of roles on stage and screen from Greek tragedy, Shakespeare and Restoration comedy to modern American and British drama. He got fourteen Oscar nominations, with two wins for Best Actor and Best Picture for Hamlet (1948), and two honorary awards. For more postcards, a bio and clips check out our blog European Film Star Postcards or follow us at Tumblr or Pinterest.