Eva Marie Saint, a slender actress who achieved fame by winning an Academy Award for her debut movie, “On the Waterfront,” and appeared alongside Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “North by Northwest,” has passed away at the age of 102 at her residence in Los Angeles. The news was confirmed by her family representative, Jeff Sanderson.
Saint, known for her acting career that spanned well into her 90s, made a remarkable start in Hollywood as the romantic interest of Marlon Brando’s character in “On the Waterfront.” Her initial Academy Awards experience was also unforgettable as she received the Oscar while pregnant with her first child, humorously suggesting that she might give birth right there, which indeed happened two days later when her son, Darrell, was born.
Despite achieving instant stardom with the award for the 1954 classic, Saint surprised Hollywood by maintaining a strong sense of independence throughout her career. She turned down studio contracts and opportunities to capitalize on her early success, opting instead to focus on motherhood and her family. Her husband, TV and stage director Jeffrey Hayden, played a crucial role in convincing her to take on the role in Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” a decision that proved pivotal in her career.
In her initial decade in Hollywood, Saint appeared in only seven films, rejecting high-profile projects such as “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,” “Summer and Smoke,” and “The Rainmaker.” Despite her selective approach, she continued to receive offers for leading roles in films like “Exodus,” “Raintree County,” and “All Fall Down.”
Transitioning more towards television in the 1970s, Saint experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s with roles in the sitcom “Moonlighting” and the comedy film “Nothing in Common.” She further showcased her talent in various 21st-century movies, including “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Superman Returns,” and “Winter’s Tale,” demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
Saint’s enduring marriage to Hayden lasted for 65 years until his passing in 2016. Her theatrical-sounding name, which many initially believed to be a stage name, was her given name at birth on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey. From her humble beginnings in a small town near Albany, New York, Saint pursued her passion for acting, eventually finding success in Hollywood through her dedication and talent.
With guidance from acting coach Lee Strasberg and acceptance into the Actors Studio, Saint honed her craft and overcame her shyness, paving the way for a successful career in television and film. Her legacy as an accomplished actress will endure through her memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.