Family and Friends Attend Rites for Olivier in England

Sir Laurence Olivier was eulogized in private services Friday in the actor’s home village of Ashurst in West Sussex to the words from one of his best-known roles, “King Lear.”

“I have a journey, sir, shortly to go,” the brief verse went.

“My master calls and I must not say no.”

Family and close friends attended the private funeral for Olivier in the southeastern English village’s 12th-Century Church of St. James.

The pathway leading to the church entrance was lined with wreaths from friends around the world, including a large one from actress Elizabeth Taylor. Her card read simply, “Adieu.”

Olivier won three Oscars during more than 50 years of stage and screen acting and directing. He died in his sleep Tuesday at age 82.

Show business stars and dignitaries including Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Sir Alec Guinness and Maggie Smith mixed with local villagers, family members and Olivier’s widow, former actress Joan Plowright, at the small stone church.

A single bell tolled as the mourners quietly departed and Olivier’s body was cremated.

“Sir Larry was a villager, just like everyone else,” said Maurice Caine, landlord of Ashurst’s 16th-Century village inn, where the flag flew at half-staff in Olivier’s memory.