Why Marlon Brando Did Not Pursue a Relationship with Vivien Leigh

In the 1950s, Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh shared a romantic connection, but Brando never pursued a deeper relationship. This article explores the various factors that led to this outcome, providing a detailed analysis of the personal, professional, and emotional circumstances involved.

Personal Circumstances

Marlon Brando was dealing with his own personal issues at the time. The pressures of fame and tumultuous relationships added to his turmoil, making him a complicated romantic partner. His involvement with Leigh was marked by instability and conflict, partly due to his own emotional and personal growth. Brando's rebellious spirit and unconventional approach to life were also contributing factors, often putting him at odds with Leigh's more traditional background.

Leigh's Mental Health

Vivien Leigh struggled with mental health issues, primarily bipolar disorder. This condition not only made it difficult to work with her but also created significant challenges in personal situations. Brando, while understandably concerned about her well-being, felt ill-equipped to handle the complexities of her mental health struggles. Leigh's temperament and unpredictability may have further pushed Brando away emotionally and psychologically.

Career Focus

Both Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh were intensely focused on their careers. Brando was firmly establishing himself as a leading actor in Hollywood, while Leigh was at the height of her career. Their professional commitments undoubtedly took precedence over personal relationships, further limiting the time and energy available for a deeper romantic connection.

Different Lifestyles

Brando and Leigh had vastly different lifestyles and temperaments. Brando was known for his rebellious nature and unconventional approach to life, while Leigh had a more traditional background. These differences in lifestyle and temperament created a significant barrier to a long-term relationship. Leigh's public persona and the pressures it entailed likely clashed with Brando's more free-spirited attitude and lifestyle.

Other Factors

Several other factors come into play that further explain why Brando did not seek a long-term relationship with Leigh:

Health and Age

Vivien Leigh suffered from chronic tuberculosis, which ultimately led to her death in 1967. Despite the availability of streptomycin, which could have helped manage her symptoms, Leigh did not use the antibiotic in time to prevent serious lung damage. This health condition, combined with her advanced age compared to Brando's youth, made her an unsuitable candidate for a long-term relationship from Brando's perspective. In addition, Brando was bisexual and could have pursued many others, which made his attraction to an older, unhealthy Leigh likely unappealing.

Professional Relationships

Brando had a friendship with Jessica Tandy, the actress who portrayed Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Although Leigh conquered the role aesthetically, Brando was not thrilled about her replacing Tandy. This professional dynamic created a distance between Brando and Leigh, and they never collaborated again. Brando's professional relationship with Tandy further emphasized his preference for companions who were more aligned with his own lifestyle and career goals.

Marriage Tensions

Speculations about Brando's desire to avoid "getting on the bad side" of Vivien Leigh's husband, Laurence Olivier, seem overly speculative. Olivier loved Leigh deeply, and he had a preference for men. Their relationship during the late 1940s and early 1950s was more platonic, and Olivier likely would not have minded if Leigh pursued companionship with Brando, especially as it occurred later when Leigh moved in with another actor, Jack Merivale, until her death.

In conclusion, Marlon Brando's decision not to pursue a long-term relationship with Vivien Leigh can be attributed to a combination of personal, professional, and emotional factors. These elements intersected to create a situation where it was not feasible or desirable for Brando to form a deeper connection with Leigh.