Eva Marie Saint, an acclaimed actress whose performances in On the Waterfront and North by Northwest defined the golden era of Hollywood, has died at age 102. She died of natural causes on October 6, 2026, at her Los Angeles home surrounded by family. Saint was born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, and began her career in theater and television before transitioning to film.
Her first major film role came in 1954’s On the Waterfront, where she played Edie Doyle opposite Marlon Brando, according to Screen Rant. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for that performance, becoming the oldest living Oscar winner before her death, according to a report from Rolling Stone. Saint’s portrayal of Eve Kendall in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest is widely considered one of the most memorable roles in the director’s filmography.
The film, released in 1959, remains a classic and holds a high score on Rotten Tomatoes. She also appeared in Superman Returns as Martha Kent, the adoptive mother of the titular hero. Saint voiced the character Katara in seven episodes of The Legend of Korra.
She was also a regular performer on stage and had a long career in television, including an Emmy win for her work in People Like Us. Saint’s time in Hollywood coincided with a golden age of filmmaking, and she often served as a bridge to that era.
She was known for her strong performances and ability to work with top directors like Elia Kazan and Alfred Hitchcock. Saint’s legacy includes a long list of notable roles, including appearances in A Hatful of Rain and Moonlighting.
Her Broadway credits included The Trip to Bountiful in 1953 and The Lincoln Mask in 1972. Saint’s career spanned decades, and she remained active in both film and television into her later years.
She was a mother to two children, Darrell and Laurette, and had four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Saint was known for her deep connection to the craft of acting, often reflecting on how performances evolve over time.
Her final years were spent in Los Angeles, where she remained a respected figure in the entertainment world.
Eva Marie Saint’s life and career marked a significant chapter in American film history.