Eva Marie Saint, a slender and fair 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 in Los Angeles. Her family spokesperson, Jeff Sanderson, confirmed her death at her residence.
Saint’s remarkable entry into Hollywood began with her portrayal of the love interest to Marlon Brando’s character in “On the Waterfront,” a role that garnered her an Oscar. At the awards ceremony, while pregnant with her first child, she humorously remarked, “I think I may have the baby right here,” as she accepted the award from Frank Sinatra. Her son, Darrell, was born two days later.
Despite her instant stardom from her award-winning performance in 1954, Saint displayed a strong sense of independence by turning down studio contracts and opting to focus on motherhood. She limited her film appearances in the following years, including rejecting roles in prominent productions like “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,” “Summer and Smoke,” and “The Rainmaker.”
Saint’s husband, Jeffrey Hayden, encouraged her to take on the role in Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” where she played a spy who falls for Cary Grant’s character. This decision marked a turning point in her career, leading to more starring opportunities in films such as “Exodus,” “Raintree County,” and “All Fall Down.”
Transitioning to television in the 1970s, Saint enjoyed a resurgence in the 1980s with roles in “Moonlighting” and “Nothing in Common.” She received an Emmy for her performance in the 1990 miniseries “People Like Us” and continued to appear in films like “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “Superman Returns” in the 21st century.
Saint’s enduring marriage to Hayden lasted 65 years until his passing in 2016. Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, she initially aspired to be a teacher but discovered her passion for acting during her time at Bowling Green State University. Joining the Actors Studio under Elia Kazan’s guidance, she honed her craft and overcame her shyness with the help of acting coach Lee Strasberg.
Saint’s legacy extends beyond her film and television career, as she was a staunch advocate for organized labor, leaving a lasting impact on generations of union members. Her talent, independence, and dedication to her craft will be remembered in the entertainment industry for years to come.
