According to her family, Anne Whitfield, the star of the classic film “White Christmas,” recently passed away at age 85. Whitfield was famous for her role as Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of Captain Bob Wallace, in the 1954 film.
Notably, Whitfield’s demise follows an unforeseen incident during a neighborhood walk in Washington. A statement released by the family confirms that the actor passed on February 15, 2024. She was surrounded by her loved ones at a hospital in Yakima, Washington, after the incident.
In a heartfelt tribute to the actor, her family stated, “The life of Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips was a beautiful one, with every second used to uplift the world and those around her.” Thanks to the kindness of neighbors who offered expert medical support, (her) family could bid her farewell and convey love and gratitude.
Born in Mississippi in 1983, Anne Whitfield started her acting career at four, with her mother serving as her agent and acting coach. Following her role in “White Christmas,” she continued to make waves in television.
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Whitfield’s father served as the marching band director for the University of Mississippi. On the other hand, her mother taught speech and drama at a junior college. Aside from “White Christmas,” Whitfield appeared in episodes of “Manhunt,” “The Untouchables,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” and others.
In the 1970s, she left Hollywood and relocated to Olympia, Washington, where she dedicated herself to “causes that promote peace and preserve nature.” However, her entertainment journey started with radio gigs. She featured on programs like “Our Miss Brooks” before playing her memorable role in the classic film.
The legacy of “White Christmas,” a holiday classic, marked a massive chapter in her career. The film, at its time, was the highest-grossing musical film. Its fame aligns with the iconic Irving Berlin theme song, “White Christmas.” The song remains a staple during the holiday season.
The film centers around two singers staging a show in rural Vermont. During their visit, they met their former Commander, facing financial challenges, and decided to help him. Playing the granddaughter in the movie, Whitfield got her breakthrough role through this heartfelt narrative.
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Post-White Christmas, Anne Whitfield appeared on television screens, securing roles in shows like “The Donna Reed Show,” “Father Knows Best,” and “Gunsmoke.” Her versatility extended to an episode of “Dragnet” titled “Internal Affairs: DR-20,” featuring a crossover with Adam-12.
Her recurring appearances on “Perry Mason” showcased her acting skills, portraying Perry’s client accused of murder twice. This was in season seven’s “The Case of the Ugly Duckling” and season eight’s “The Case of the Nautical Knot.”
Remarkably, Anne Whitfield left a lasting impact in the second-to-last episode of the series, the renowned and dark “The Case of the Crafty Kidnapper.” According to Anne Whitfield’s obituary, she had the opportunity to watch “White Christmas” with her family on the movie’s 70th anniversary in December 2023.
Three children and seven grandchildren survived Anne Whitfield, and her funeral will be held on March 22. Moreover, mourners are invited to contribute to charitable causes by planting trees in her memory.
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