Anne Whitfield, the beloved actress who portrayed Susan Waverly in the 1954 holiday classic White Christmas, has tragically passed away at the age of 85. According to her family, Whitfield died following an unexpected accident while out for a walk near her home in Washington, D.C.
The actress, known for her role as Susan Waverly in White Christmas, was surrounded by her family when she passed away at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington, on February 15. Her family expressed their deep sorrow in a heartfelt statement, describing her life as “beautiful,” with every moment spent uplifting those around her.
“Through the kindness of neighbors who provided expert medical support, family had the gift to say goodbye and express love and gratitude, a gift we will always cherish,” the statement read.
In an emotional tribute, her family reflected on the actress’ legacy and how she remained a cherished figure in their lives. “Annie was able to watch White Christmas with her family during the holidays in December, which marked the movie’s 70th anniversary,” they shared, reminding fans of her timeless role in the classic film.
Whitfield’s career in Hollywood was legendary, but she eventually chose to leave Los Angeles for a quieter life up north in the 1970s. As described in the statement, “Annie was a great actor, but Los Angeles didn’t have enough trees for her.” During her time away from Hollywood, she became deeply committed to causes that supported peace and environmental protection.
She was known for her activism and community organizing, continuing her work right up until her passing. Whitfield’s family emphasized that her three children and seven grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she always put them first. “She was beloved by her family, who were always her first priority,” they wrote.
Her life and legacy will be honored on March 22, and in lieu of flowers, her family encourages fans to donate to charity or plant trees in her memory—an act that would certainly have meant a great deal to the actress, who cherished the environment.
Born on August 27, 1938, in Oxford, Mississippi, Anne Whitfield’s career in entertainment began at a young age. She started performing in radio plays as a child and later moved to Hollywood, where her mother helped her pursue a career in show business at just four years old. Her passion for acting continued as she attended UCLA, where she juggled school with roles in radio shows.
Whitfield’s career was defined by her time in theater and television. In 1949, she began performing in theater productions, with notable roles in shows like Annie Get Your Gun. Her television career took off with guest roles in shows like Racket Squad, One Man’s Family, and Hollywood Opening Night. But it was her role as Susan Waverly in White Christmas that solidified her place in Hollywood history.
In her teenage years, Whitfield became the lead in White Christmas at just 15 years old, playing the role of Susan Waverly alongside stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The movie has since become a timeless holiday classic, and Whitfield’s portrayal of the sweet and charming granddaughter remains beloved by fans.
While she continued to take on small roles in the 1980s and 1990s, Whitfield’s last film appearance was in Robert Altman’s 1999 comedy Cookies’ Fortune.
Anne Whitfield’s passing marks the end of an era for many who cherished her timeless performances and contributions to the entertainment industry. She will be remembered for her acting, activism, and the love she gave to her family and those around her.
