In a tragic and unexpected turn of events, beloved White Christmas star Anne Whitfield has died at the age of 85.
The actress, known for her heartwarming performance as Susan Waverly in the 1954 holiday classic, died after what her family described as an “unexpected ‘accident'” while walking near her home in Washington, D.C. The news left fans and loved ones in shock as Whitfield’s contributions left an indelible mark on the screen and its community.
Her family confirmed the news, saying she died at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington, with them by her side. “Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips’ life was beautiful, every second was used to uplift the world and those around her,” they said in a statement. In her final moments, the family was able to express their love and gratitude, a gift that will be cherished forever.
Anne’s legacy is not only defined by her memorable role in White Christmas but also by her activism and dedication to conservation, a cause she embraced after leaving Hollywood for a simpler life up north in the 1970s.
Anne Whitfield, the star of White Christmas, has died aged 85. Her family shared the heartbreaking news, saying she tragically died in an “unexpected accident” while out for a walk near her home in Washington, D.C.
Whitfield became widely known for her role as Susan Waverly in the 1954 holiday classic White Christmas. She died at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington with her family by her side.
In a statement, her family described Anne’s life as one full of beauty and every moment spent making the world a better place. “Thanks to the kindness of neighbors who offered professional medical care, our family was able to say goodbye and express love and gratitude – something we will always cherish,” they wrote.
Just last December, during the 70th anniversary of White Christmas, Anne had the opportunity to watch the film with her family. The obituary also noted that despite her successful acting career, Anne decided to leave Hollywood in the 1970s for a simpler life “up north”, where she became passionate about causes promoting peace and environmental protection.
After retiring from acting, Anne focused on her work as an activist and community organizer, continuing her advocacy until her final days. The center of her world was her three children and seven grandchildren. “She was deeply loved by her family who always came first,” her family said.
Born on August 27, 1938, in Oxford, Mississippi, Anne began her career as a child acting in radio dramas. She continued her acting journey at UCLA where she worked on various radio shows. At just four years old, her mother brought her to Hollywood to help her pursue a career in show business while her father led an army band overseas.
Whitfield’s career in the theater began in 1949 when she acted in many productions, including Annie Get Your Gun. Her appearance on the small screen began in the 1950s with roles on television shows such as Racket Squad, One Man’s Family, and Hollywood Opening Night. She has also landed various film roles.
In 1954, at the age of 15, she played the role of Susan Waverly in the film White Christmas, one of her most popular performances. Her portrayal of the granddaughter of Major General Thomas Waverly (played by Dean Jagger), whose hotel is the setting for the film’s key events, made her a household name.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Whitfield continued to accept smaller film roles. Her last appearance was in Robert Altman’s 1999 film Cookie’s Fortune.
Anne Whitfield’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life full of artistic achievement and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. Her iconic role as Susan Waverly in White Christmas will forever remain a beloved part of holiday cinema, beloved by fans across generations. In addition to her acting career, Anna’s dedication to peace and nature, along with activism and community work, left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
As a loving mother and grandmother, she put her family above all else and her legacy will live on through the lives she touched. Anna’s final years were filled with joy, and as she passed surrounded by her loved ones, her family reflected on her life as one full of beauty, kindness, and meaning. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.