Actress Anne Whitfield, celebrated for her role as Susan Waverly in the beloved 1954 film White Christmas, died aged 85 following an “unexpected accident” while taking a walk near her home in Washington.
Her tragic passing was announced by a member of her family. “She was a powerhouse in life, and we hope her immense positive energy flows out to those who had the pleasure of knowing her,” her obituary read.
Whitfield, whose mother taught speech and drama and whose father was a music director at the University of Mississippi, grew up in a household in which creativity was highly valued so her finding herself being interested in arts didn’t come as a surprise.
By age seven, she was working regularly in radio commercials and shows like Our Miss Brooks and One Man’s Family, she paved her way towards a successful career in entertainment that extended beyond the silver screen.
Whitfield had her breakthrough with her iconic role in White Christmas, which made her part of cinematic history.
During the 1950s and ‘60s, she continued to thrive in both television and film. She appeared in numerous TV series, including Father Knows Best, The Donna Reed Show, Rawhide, and Perry Mason, and starred in films like Juvenile Jungle and Tick, Tick, Tick. She also had a notable recurring role on Days of Our Lives.
Once she felt she needed break from film and television, Whitfield pursued a degree in communications and worked with the Washington State Department of Ecology, becoming an advocate for environmental responsibility, women’s rights, and voter registration.
During her late years, she found love in hiking. Even at 85, she celebrated her birthday by hiking the Dolomite Mountains in Italy. Tragically, on February 7, 2024, Whitfield passed away.
Whitfield is survived by her three children and seven grandchildren, who remember her as a woman of warmth, resilience, and generosity.
“She was beloved by her family, who were always her first priority,” her obituary read. “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.”
Fans and fellow actors paid their tributes with touching messages shared on the social media.
Rest in peace, Anne Whitfield.