By Hollywood Life | Created at 2026-10-07 15:43:26 | Updated at 2026-10-07 22:00:36
7 hours ago
Hollywood has lost one of the last bright links to its golden age. Eva Marie Saint, who won an Oscar for her very first film role, has died, her family’s representative, Jeff Sanderson, confirmed on October 6, 2026. She was the oldest living Academy Award winner, a quiet force who held her own opposite Marlon Brando and Cary Grant in two of the most beloved films of the 1950s. Her passing adds a cherished name to the stars Hollywood has lost in 2026, and Sanderson has shared how she spent her final moments.
Keep reading to learn how Eva died, who she leaves behind and the roles that made her a legend.
How Did Eva Marie Saint Die?
Eva died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles on October 6, 2026. Sanderson told Rolling Stone that she was surrounded by family and loved ones at the end.
Her death closes a remarkable chapter of film history. Eva spent nearly eight decades in the business, moving from live television in the 1940s to the big screen and eventually to voice work in audio dramas.
How Old Was Eva Marie Saint?
Eva was 102 years old. She was born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, and she celebrated her 102nd birthday on July 4, 2026. That made her the most senior of all living Oscar winners, Deadline noted.
Did Eva Marie Saint Have Kids?
Yes. Eva married director Jeffrey Hayden on October 28, 1951, and the couple stayed together for 65 years until his death on December 24, 2016. They welcomed two children, son Darrell and daughter Laurette, and Eva never hid that her family came before her career, CBS News reported.
Darrell made his entrance in famous fashion. Eva was nine months pregnant when she accepted her Oscar in 1955, and she joked to the audience, as CBS News recalled:
“I may have the baby right here!”
Darrell arrived two days later. Eva is survived by both of her children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Sanderson said in his statement.
What Movies Was Eva Marie Saint In?
Eva made her film debut in 1954’s On the Waterfront, playing Edie Doyle opposite Brando, and the role earned her the Oscar for best supporting actress. Five years later, she played the mysterious Eve Kendall opposite Grant in Alfred Hitchcock‘s North by Northwest.
Her other films included Raintree County, Exodus, Grand Prix, Superman Returns and Winter’s Tale, and she won an Emmy for the 1990 miniseries People Like Us. TV fans also remember her recurring role on Moonlighting.
From the docks of Hoboken to the face of Mount Rushmore, Eva leaves behind a body of work that still feels as fresh as the day it premiered.
