White Christmas actress, Anne Whitfield, has tragically died following an ‘unexpected accident’ while on a walk near her home, her family have told fans.
The celebrity, who was cast as Susan Waverly in the festive classic, was 85 years old. She tragically died on February 15 with her family at her bedside when she was receiving treatment at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington. Anne Whitfield’s loved ones say she was able to watch White Christmas with her family to mark the movie‘s 70th anniversary.
White Christmas star Anne Whitfield dies
Her family said her death came following an ‘unexpected accident’.
The statement reads: “‘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.”
Her obituary adds the special moment she was able to spend with her family this past festive season.
It added: “Just this past December during the holidays, Annie was able to watch White Christmas with her family on the movie’s 70th anniversary.”
“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.”.
Hollywood star’s career began with a musical classic
Anne Whitfield was known for more than just White Christmas, the star began working in showbiz in 1949 at the theater. She starred in a number of shows, including musical classic Anne Get Your Gun.
The following year she bagged a number of small roles in TV, such as One Man’s Family, Racket Squad and Hollywood Opening Night.
At just 15 years old, she was featured in the 1964 festive classic, White Christmas, alongside music icon Bing Crosby.
She played Susan, granddaughter of Major General Thomas Waverly, who owns the Columbia Inn Hotel. It’s that hotel where Bob Wallace – played by Bing Crosby – and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) perform.
Her career continued throughout the decades, including her latest appearance in Cookies’ Fortune in 1999.
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Tributes pour in for the star
Tributes have poured in the star on social media, including Twitter.
One reads: “Sperdvac is very sad to learn that Anne Whitfield Philips of The Phil Harris/Alice Faye Show (“Phyllis”) has passed away. Anne was beloved by the classic radio fan community for her many appearances at fan conventions going.”
A second added: “RIP to Anne Whitfield Fun Fact – Though best known for White Christmas; Whitfield also appeared in a few old TV shows. In the un-aired (till the 90’s at-least) pilot for That Girl Ann (Marlo Thomas), had a group of friends which Whitfield was one.”
And a third wrote: “Rest in peace to Anne Whitfield, who played Susan in White Christmas (1954) 🙁 An unexpected and saddening loss for classic movie, musical and technicolor fans, especially as white Christmas enters its 70th anniversary this year <3”
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