Eva Marie Saint, a renowned American actress and one of the last living links to Hollywood's Golden Age, has died at the age of 102. Her publicist, Jeff Sanderson, confirmed that she passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by family and loved ones. Saint had a career spanning nearly eight decades, with notable roles in film, television, and theatre. She was a fixture of live television in its early years and later won an Emmy Award.
Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Saint grew up in New York and graduated from Bowling Green State University. She began her acting career in the 1950s, making her film debut in Elia Kazan's 1954 drama On the Waterfront, opposite Marlon Brando. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking the beginning of a successful career in Hollywood.
Saint's collaboration with acclaimed directors continued with her role as Eve Kendall in Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 thriller North by Northwest, alongside Cary Grant. Her work in television also earned her recognition, with a steady stream of roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Even in her nineties, Saint remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in projects such as Superman Returns in 2006 and Winter's Tale in 2014.
In addition to her acting career, Saint was also known for her enduring marriage to television director Jeffrey Hayden. The couple married in 1951 and were together for 65 years until Hayden's death in 2016. Their union is regarded as one of Hollywood's most lasting partnerships. Saint's personal life and career were marked by numerous achievements and accolades.
Throughout her life, Saint demonstrated her versatility as an actress, taking on a wide range of roles in film, television, and theatre. Her voice work included a role in Nickelodeon's animated series The Legend of Korra. Saint's contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact, and her legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
News of Saint's death was announced on the same day that it was reported that British novelist and former Conservative politician Lord Jeffrey Archer had died at the age of 86. Archer's final novel, Adam and Eve, was set to be released on the day of his passing. The entertainment industry has been paying tribute to these two legends, who left an indelible mark on their respective fields.
Eva Marie Saint's passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, as she was one of the last living links to the Golden Age of cinema. Her remarkable life and career serve as a testament to her talent, dedication, and perseverance. Saint's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and entertainers.
Key points
- Eva Marie Saint, the oldest living Oscar winner, died at 102 on October 6, 2026.
- Saint had a career spanning nearly eight decades, with notable roles in film, television, and theatre.
- She was married to television director Jeffrey Hayden for 65 years, until his death in 2016.
