Eva Marie Saint, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in "On the Waterfront" and "North by Northwest," has died at the age of 102. Her family representative, Jeff Sanderson, confirmed that she passed away at her home in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Saint made her film debut in the 1954 classic "On the Waterfront," where she played the love interest of Marlon Brando's character, Terry Malloy. Her acceptance speech for the Academy Award was notable as she was pregnant with her first child at the time. She humorously remarked, "I think I may have the baby right here," with her son being born two days later.
Following her Oscar win, Saint chose to prioritize her family over a busy acting career, turning down numerous high-profile roles. She appeared in only seven films during her first decade in Hollywood, opting for a selective approach to her projects. Her husband, director Jeffrey Hayden, encouraged her to take on the role in Hitchcock's "North by Northwest," which became a significant success.
Throughout her career, Saint starred in various films, including "Exodus," "Raintree County," and "All Fall Down." She transitioned to television in the 1970s, gaining popularity in the 1980s with roles in shows like "Moonlighting" and films such as "Nothing in Common." She won an Emmy for her work in the 1990 miniseries "People Like Us."
Saint was born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in Delmar, New York. Initially aspiring to be a teacher, she discovered her passion for acting while attending Bowling Green State University. After graduation, she began her career in radio dramas and soap operas before landing significant roles in theater and film.
A pivotal moment in her career came when she was accepted into the Actors Studio, where she honed her craft under the guidance of acting coach Lee Strasberg. Saint's career continued to flourish, and she remained active in the industry into her 90s, with her last role in 2021 in the audio play "The Bus Ride."
Saint was married to Hayden for 65 years until his death in 2016. She is remembered for her contributions to film and television, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and independent actress.