Beloved Christmas icon Anne Whitfield has passed away at the age of 85.
The legendary actress lost her life due to an unexpected accident while out for a stroll near her residence in Washington, as confirmed by her grieving family.
Anne Whitfield, best known for her portrayal of Susan Waverly in the classic film White Christmas, breathed her last on February 15 at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington, surrounded by her loved ones.
Her family expressed, “‘The life of Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips was a beautiful one, with every second used to uplift the world and those around her.”
“Through the kindness of neighbours who provided expert medical support, family had the gift to say goodbye and express love and gratitude, a gift we will always cherish.”
The obituary of Whitfield highlighted a heartwarming moment just last December when she watched White Christmas with her family on the movie’s 70th anniversary.
According to the statement, “Although Annie was a talented actor, Los Angeles didn’t have enough trees for her and she left Hollywood for her new life ‘up north’ in the 1970’s.
“During this transition, Annie became devoted to causes that promote Peace and preserve nature.
“After ‘retiring’, Annie worked tirelessly as an activist and community organiser, working right up until the day she passed away.
“The most precious part of Annie’s life were her three children and seven grandchildren.
“She was beloved by her family, who were always her first priority.”.
Anne Whitfield’s life will be honoured on March 22, with attendees encouraged to make charitable contributions or plant trees in her memory.
She leaves behind three children and seven grandchildren.
The multitalented star of stage, screen, and radio was born in Oxford, Mississippi, on August 27, 1938.
Whitfield’s acting career commenced with radio dramas in her childhood and proceeded to UCLA, where she pursued acting while still involved in radio productions.
Her journey into showbiz began at the tender age of four when her mother introduced her to Hollywood to jumpstart her career.
Meanwhile, Whitfield, a theatre virtuoso since 1949, graced numerous theatrical productions, including Annie Get Your Gun.
By the following year, she had begun securing minor television roles and appeared in Racket Squad, One Man’s Family, and Hollywood Opening Night, along with several filmcameos.
Whitfield’s most notable role came at the age of 15 in 1954 when she starred in the musical comedy White Christmas, portraying Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of Major General Thomas Waverly (Dean Jagger).
