The Great Actress Olivia de Havilland is 99 Years Old/Young

A few days back, the great actress Olivia de Havilland turned 99 years old.

She is a true treasure and it is great she is still with us. Another treasure, Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne,  speaks with her each week. The conversations are private.

Ms. de Havilland sparkled in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” and was mesmerizing in “The Snakepit,” a movie about mental illness and treatment thereof, which was ahead of its time.

There were so many other roles but it is as “Melanie” in the classic 1939 film “Gone With The Wind,” that we remember Ms. de Havilland best.

Of the four most important characters, Scarlett, Rhett (just noticed the “ett” in each), Ashley and Melanie–I believe only “Melanie” dies in the film.

In real, not “reel” life, the other actors in those roles Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable and Leslie Howard have all been dead at least 44 years. Ms de Havilland’s sister, the also superb actress, Joan Fontaine, died two years ago.

Of course Olivia de Havilland will endure in celluloid, but it is also nice to know she is still here. Happy birthday, hopefully, a day or two toward number 100 next year.

as Melanie in “Gone With the Wind”