Vivien Leigh's Pets

Tissy: A cute, black and white kitty cat Vivien owned in the beginning of her marriage to Laurence Olivier. Tissy was a stray cat that Vivien lovingly adopted and brought with her to Plymouth, where Larry was ordered for flying lessons. Vivien spent her days as a war-time wife reading Dickens, gardening, and playing with this small, fray cat.

New Boy: Vivien's handsome Siamese cat that always traveled with the actress was named after London's New Theatre. Larry purchased an elegant Parisian collar ornamented with small gilt bells for New. Unfortunately, New was run over by a car when Vivien and Larry were in Australia performing with the Old Vic Company.

Armando: Armando was another Siamese cat Vivien owned. This cat looked similar to New (both had very dark faces) and even wore the same bell collar New wore when he was alive. Vivien owned Armando in the early 1960s.

Poo Jones: He was one of Vivien's favorite cats. Poo Jones was a well-mannered smoky- white Siamese cat with beautiful violet eyes and black feet and nose. He was named after Jones Harris, young admirer of Miss Leigh (son of actress Ruth Gordon and Broadway producer Jed Harris). Poo lived with the actress during the 1960s and often traveled with her, even accompanying Vivien on the Queen Elizabeth (he enjoyed his daily walks on the boat deck). Vivien adored his presence and allowed Poo Jones to sleep on her shoulder. Vivien often brought him to the theatre-- he had the ability to sleep during acts and wake up just before his owner returned to her dressing room. Not everyone liked Poo Jones. Joan Fontaine, for instance, didn't appreciate his 'feline proximity' and sent the cat away during her stay at Eaton Square. Jack said Vivien taught him how to not only appreciate a cat, but love one as well. Poo Jones was the last one to see Vivien alive as the cat slept with her. After Vivien's death, Poo Jones lived with Vivien's housekeeper, Mrs. Mac. When she died, Poo Jones lived the remainder of his cat life with Peter Hiley.

Other Cats: Vivien owned many cats during her lifetime. Some of their names were Nicholas, Snow, and Christmas.

Sebastian:a giant labrador that was added to the family a year before Vivien's death.