Oscar-winning Hollywood legend Eva Marie Saint, celebrated for her grace and memorable performances in classic cinema and early television, died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the age of 102. Her passing was confirmed by a family spokesperson and reporting from Variety.
Saint achieved immediate stardom after director Elia Kazan selected her from the Broadway stage to star opposite Marlon Brando in the gritty 1954 crime drama “On the Waterfront.” Her powerful portrayal of Edie Doyle earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1955. Accepting the prestigious statuette while nine months pregnant, Saint joked on stage that she might have the baby right there. She delivered her first child, Darrell, just two days later.
A Stellar Career Across Film and Television
Following her explosive feature film debut, Saint solidified her status as a versatile screen icon. In 1959, she starred alongside Cary Grant as the sultry, mysterious spy Eve Kendall in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “North by Northwest.” Her career spanned over seven decades. During this time, she worked with leading men including Paul Newman in “Exodus” (1960), Yves Montand in “Grand Prix” (1966), Gregory Peck in “The Stalking Moon” (1969), and Tom Hanks in “Nothing in Common” (1986).
Groomed as a blonde leading lady during the 1950s, Saint deliberately chose to prioritize her family life over relentless superstardom. When an agent warned her she would never become a superstar due to her selective project choices, Saint replied that she simply did not want to be one. As film roles grew sparse, she transitioned into television. She earned five Emmy nominations and won the award in 1990 for her performance in the miniseries “People Like Us.” Her later television credits included a recurring role as Cybill Shepherd’s mother in the 1980s hit series “Moonlighting” and voicing characters in animation.
Early Life and Personal Legacy
Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Saint grew up near Albany as the younger of two daughters. She attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, initially training to become a schoolteacher before discovering a passion for drama. After graduation, she honed her craft in radio serials and live television dramas during the golden age of the medium. She eventually studied under Lee Strasberg at The Actors Studio in New York City.
In 1951, she married television director Jeffrey Hayden. The couple remained married for 65 years until his death in December 2016. Known for balancing an acclaimed career with a grounded home life, Saint remained active in the entertainment community into her later years. She presented at the Academy Awards and participated in documentary projects celebrating the golden age of Broadway and Hollywood.
Saint is survived by her two children, Darrell and Laurette; four grandchildren, Eli, Tyler, Molly, and Stella; and two great-grandchildren, Arlo and Finley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eva Marie Saint
How old was Eva Marie Saint when she died?
Eva Marie Saint passed away at the age of 102 at her home in Los Angeles.
What was Eva Marie Saint’s most famous movie role?
She is best known for her Oscar-winning film debut in “On the Waterfront” (1954) opposite Marlon Brando and for playing spy Eve Kendall in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” (1959) alongside Cary Grant.
Did Eva Marie Saint win an Academy Award?
Yes, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1955 for her performance in “On the Waterfront.”
Who was Eva Marie Saint married to?
She was married to television director Jeffrey Hayden from 1951 until his death in 2016. The couple shared two children, Darrell and Laurette.
What television awards did Eva Marie Saint win?
In addition to her Oscar, Saint received five Emmy Award nominations throughout her career, ultimately winning the Primetime Emmy Award in 1990 for her role in the miniseries “People Like Us.”
