Anne Whitfield, the star of White Christmas, has died. She was eighty-five years old.
She died in an “unexpected accident” while walking near her home in Washington, D.C., according to her devastated family.
Whitfield portrayed Susan Waverly in the 1954 Christmas classic.
She died at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington. She was there with her family.
Her relatives said: “Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips’ life was beautiful, every second was used to uplift the world and those around her.”
“Through the kindness of neighbors who provided expert medical support, the family had the gift of saying goodbye and expressing love and gratitude, a gift we will always cherish.”
Whitfield’s death certificate stated: “Annie was able to watch White Christmas with her family during the holidays in December, which was the 70th anniversary of the film.”
“Annie was a great actress, but Los Angeles didn’t have enough trees for her,” the statement continued. “So in the 1970s she left Hollywood and headed north for a new life.
“Throughout this change, Annie has made a strong commitment to causes that promote peace and protect the environment.”
“After she retired,” Annie worked hard as an activist and community organizer until the day she died.
“Annie’s three children and seven grandchildren were the most important things in her life.”
“She was loved by her family, who always came first to her.
He will be missed by three children and seven grandchildren.
The radio, television, and film icon was born in Oxford, Mississippi on August 27, 1938.
When Whitfield was younger, he began acting in radio plays. He continued to act and produce radio shows while attending UCLA.
When Whitfield was four, her mother took her to Hollywood to help launch her career in show business.
“COMPLETION OF JOB”
Her father was deployed overseas during that time to take command of an army group.
Whitfield began his career in the theater in 1949 and played the lead role in many shows, including Annie Get Your Gun.
The following year, she began landing minor roles in television series, including Hollywood Opening Night, One Man’s Family, and Racket Squad. She also landed a number of small film roles.
Whitfield played the title role in the 1954 musical comedy White Christmas when she was just fifteen years old. She was mainly known for this role.
She played Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of Major General Thomas Waverly (Dean Jagger), owner of the Columbia Inn, which also stars Danny Kaye as Phil Davis and Bing Crosby as Bob Wallace.
Whitfield continued to appear in supporting roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In Robert Altman’s 1999 comedy Cookies’ Fortune, she played her last film role.
Anne Whitfield’s life was full of grace, talent, and deep meaning. From her early days in Hollywood to her later years as an activist and community organizer, she had a lasting impact on and off the screen. Her portrayal of Susan Waverly in White Christmas remains iconic, a cherished part of American holiday traditions for generations.
But beyond the fame and stars, Anna’s heart was firmly rooted in her devotion to family and passion for environmental causes. Her decision to leave the Hollywood spotlight for activism in the 1970s marked a profound shift in her life and demonstrated her determination to make the world a better place.
Her work as a community leader continued into her final days, embodying her tireless spirit of service and caring for those around her.
Her death, although unexpected, brought an outpouring of love and memories from her family, friends, and fans. Anna’s legacy is etched not only in her film roles but also in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all who benefited from her kindness and generosity.
As the world bids farewell to this beloved actress and advocate, we remember the beauty she brought to life—whether on the silver screen, in her community work, or in the love with which she embraced her family. Anne Whitfield will be greatly missed, but her light will continue to shine in the memories she leaves behind.