Eva Marie Saint passed away on October 6, 2026, at the age of 102. The Oscar-winning actress, best known for her defining roles during Hollywood’s Golden Age, died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles, California. Prior to her death, she was the oldest living Academy Award winner.
Quick Facts
- Status: Deceased (July 4, 1924 – October 6, 2026)
- Age at Death: 102 years old
- Cause of Death: Natural causes
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Notable Roles: Edie Doyle in On the Waterfront (1954) and Eve Kendall in North by Northwest (1959)
- Spouse: Jeffrey Hayden (married 1951–2016)
A Peaceful Passing in Los Angeles
Saint died surrounded by her family. Representatives confirmed the cause was natural. She had recently celebrated her 102nd birthday on July 4, following a widely publicized centennial celebration in 2024 that included four generations of her family.
From Television to an Academy Award
Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1924, Saint started her acting career in the early days of radio and network television. She spent her early years working on soap operas and nighttime dramas, steadily building her reputation before transitioning to film.
Her major breakthrough arrived when director Elia Kazan cast her in the 1954 crime drama On the Waterfront. Playing Edie Doyle opposite Marlon Brando, Saint delivered a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her feature film debut.
The Hitchcock Era and Beyond
Five years after her Oscar win, Saint secured her place in cinematic history working under Alfred Hitchcock in the 1959 thriller North by Northwest. Starring alongside Cary Grant, she played Eve Kendall, a role that required her to shed her previous “girl-next-door” image. Hitchcock notoriously managed every detail of her appearance for the film, directly choosing her wardrobe, hair, and makeup to build the character from the outside in.
Her acting career spanned nearly eight decades across 86 projects. She starred in prominent films such as Exodus (1960), Grand Prix (1966), and Nothing in Common (1986). Younger audiences often recognize her from her later role as Martha Kent in the 2006 superhero film Superman Returns.
Saint also found continued success on television. She played the mother of Cybill Shepherd’s character on the 1980s hit Moonlighting and won an Emmy Award in 1990 for her performance in the miniseries People Like Us. Her final acting credit came in 2021 when she performed in a brief audio play titled The Bus Ride.
Personal Life
In an industry known for brief marriages, Saint maintained a notably stable personal life. She married director and producer Jeffrey Hayden in 1951. The couple remained together for 65 years until his death in 2016. Together, they raised two children and eventually welcomed multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
FAQs
Is Eva Marie Saint still alive?
No, Eva Marie Saint passed away on October 6, 2026, at the age of 102.
What was Eva Marie Saint’s cause of death?
She died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles, California.
Who was Eva Marie Saint married to?
She was married to director and producer Jeffrey Hayden from 1951 until his death in 2016.
What movies did Eva Marie Saint win an Oscar for?
Eva Marie Saint won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her debut film role in the 1954 classic On the Waterfront.
Source list
- The Times of India: ‘North by Northwest’ star Eva Marie Saint passes away at 102, Access Date: October 7, 2026
- Associated Press via 13News Now: Oscar-winning actress Eva Marie Saint dies at 102, Access Date: October 7, 2026
- Wikipedia: Eva Marie Saint, Access Date: October 7, 2026
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I am an independent writer and digital researcher tracking everyday trends, tech shifts, and modern culture across the US. I focus on cutting through internet noise to bring you crisp, honest stories and practical takeaways you can actually use.
