Shakespeare Words Bid Olivier Adieu

Laurence Olivier’s family and friends said farewell at a private funeral service today with flowers and words of Shakespeare’s plays.

Olivier, considered the foremost actor of his generation, died Tuesday at age 82.

Friends and family, including Olivier’s widow, Joan Plowright, and his four children, attended the service in the countryside at the 12th-Century St. James’s Church, near Olivier’s home.

Anthony Hopkins, who recently played Lear in a production at the Olivier Theater in London, read the lines from Shakespeare’s play:

“I have a journey, sir, shortly to go;

“My master calls me, I must not say no.

“The weight of this sad time we must obey;

“Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.

“The oldest hath borne most: we that are young

“Shall never see so much, nor live so long.”

Among the mourners were actors Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Sir Alec Guiness and Sir John Mills.

Atop the casket lay a crown made of flowers and plants mentioned in the works of Shakespeare--lavender, marjoram, marigolds, daisies, mint and daffodils. Olivier’s well-worn prayer book, a gift from his mother, was also atop the casket.

Along the path were floral tributes from John Gielgud, Elizabeth Taylor and less famous fans. The card on Taylor’s bouquet said only, “Adieu.”

Following the funeral, Olivier’s remains were to be cremated. A public memorial service will be held later in London.