Eva Marie Saint, a slender actress who achieved fame by winning an Academy Award for her debut film, “On the Waterfront,” and starring alongside Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” has passed away at the age of 102 at her residence in Los Angeles. The sad news was confirmed by family spokesperson Jeff Sanderson.
Saint’s illustrious acting career extended well into her 90s. Her remarkable start in Hollywood as Marlon Brando’s love interest in “On the Waterfront” earned her instant stardom. Her memorable moment at the Academy Awards, being pregnant with her first child and jokingly suggesting she might give birth right there, left a lasting impression. She welcomed her son, Darrell, just two days after receiving her Oscar.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Saint chose a path of independence that set her apart in Hollywood. She turned down lucrative studio contracts and opportunities following her initial success, opting instead to focus on motherhood and her family. Her husband, Jeffrey Hayden, a TV and stage director, played a pivotal role in encouraging her to take on the role in Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest.”
Rather than being deterred by her selective approach, studios continued to offer Saint prominent roles in films such as “Exodus,” “Raintree County,” and “All Fall Down.” She transitioned to television work in the 1970s and experienced a resurgence in the 1980s through roles like Cybill Shepherd’s mother in the popular sitcom “Moonlighting” and Tom Hanks’s mother in the comedy film “Nothing in Common.” Saint’s versatility shone through in various projects, from winning an Emmy for the miniseries “People Like Us” to appearing in contemporary films like “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Superman Returns,” and “Winter’s Tale.”
Married to Jeffrey Hayden for 65 years until his passing in 2016, Saint’s enduring career and personal life were a testament to her strength and dedication to her craft. Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Saint’s journey from aspiring teacher to acclaimed actress was a testament to her talent and perseverance.
Saint’s pivotal moment came when she auditioned for Elia Kazan and gained entry into the Actors Studio, a decision that shaped her career and helped her overcome her shyness. Her journey in the entertainment industry was marked by significant roles, with highlights including her collaboration with Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront” and her acclaimed performance in “North by Northwest” opposite Cary Grant.
Eva Marie Saint’s legacy as an actress, advocate for organized labor, and enduring example for generations of union members will be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.