• Actress Anne Whitfield has died
  • She starred in 'White Christmas'
  • Whitfield was 85

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the entertainment world bids goodbye to one of its stars. Anne Whitfield (85), the radiant talent from the 1954 holiday heart-warmer 'White Christmas,' has left us. The news has sent shockwaves through Tinseltown and beyond, as fans and fellow actors recall her unforgettable presence both on and off the screen.

Sad news:

Whitfield's final curtain call came after an "unexpected accident" during a neighborhood stroll on February 15. The Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Wash., witnessed the end of an era as the star took her last breath. Her obituary, a testament to her vibrant life, wishes for "a world characterized by love, acceptance, natural beauty, and the cessation of political and social injustices."

From Radio waves to Hollywood's glare

Born in 1938 in Oxford, Miss., Whitfield's journey to stardom began with her family's move to Hollywood amidst the chaos of World War II. A voice that charmed radio listeners on 'The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show' and 'One Man's Family,' she leaped to the silver screen at just 15, capturing hearts as Susan Waverly alongside Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

Pinterest
WHITE CHRISTMAS US 1954 L-R DEAN JAGGER, DANNY KAYE, MARY WICKES, ANNE WHITFIELD, VERA ELLEN Date: 1954 PUBLICATIONxINxG

Though she retired from the limelight in the '70s, Whitfield never stopped shining. Her passion for the environment led her to the Department of Ecology at Evergreen State College. A fierce advocate for climate change, feminism, and the underprivileged, she lived her convictions.

A legacy beyond the camera's gaze

Whitfield's story is one of talent, tenacity, and tireless advocacy. Her three children, seven grandchildren, and countless admirers are left to cherish her memory. A celebration of her life is set for March 22 at the Cove Community Club in Normandy Park, Wash.