Eva Marie Saint, a slender and fair actress who earned an Academy Award for her debut film, “On the Waterfront,” and starred alongside Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” has passed away at the age of 102 in Los Angeles. Her family representative, Jeff Sanderson, confirmed her death at her residence.
Saint’s career spanned well into her 90s, with her remarkable start in Hollywood as the romantic interest of Marlon Brando’s character in “On the Waterfront.” Her memorable Oscar win came while she was pregnant with her first child, jokingly mentioning she might give birth on stage. Following this success, Saint chose a path of independence, turning down studio contracts to focus on her family, welcoming her son shortly after her Oscar win and a daughter in 1958.
Despite her limited film appearances in the early years, Saint’s selective approach garnered her starring roles in notable productions such as “North by Northwest.” Her husband, Jeffrey Hayden, played a pivotal role in encouraging her to take on the Hitchcock thriller. Subsequently, she continued to receive offers for prominent roles in films like “Exodus,” “Raintree County,” and “All Fall Down.”
Transitioning to television in the 1970s, Saint experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1980s with roles in “Moonlighting” and “Nothing in Common.” She further solidified her legacy with an Emmy win for “People Like Us” in 1990 and appearances in modern films like “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Superman Returns,” and “Winter’s Tale.” In 2021, she featured in the audio play “The Bus Ride.”
Married to Hayden for 55 years until his passing in 2016, Saint’s early aspirations of becoming a teacher shifted towards acting after a successful start at Bowling Green State University. Her journey through soap operas and nighttime dramas eventually led her to Broadway and the iconic role in “On the Waterfront,” where she captivated audiences with her chemistry alongside Brando.
Her affiliation with the Actors Studio and the guidance of Lee Strasberg helped Saint overcome her shyness, propelling her towards a successful acting career that lasted decades. Despite initial setbacks, she persevered and ultimately left an indelible mark on Hollywood with her talent and dedication to her craft.