At 99, Eva Marie Saint remains a legendary figure in Hollywood. Known for her timeless elegance and outstanding talent, the actress is rarely seen in public these days. However, her legacy endures through her memorable performances and fascinating life stories. Here are some lesser-known facts about the actress who continues to captivate audiences with her charm.
1. Her Favorite Film Experience Despite her Oscar win for “On the Waterfront,” Eva Marie Saint’s favorite film to work on was Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 thriller, “North by Northwest.” Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Making that film was a whole different experience. I felt excited by it.” She fondly remembers Cary Grant’s words on set, “Eva Marie, this is going to be fun. No tears!” She appreciated the change from her previous roles, which often required her to cry.
2. A Role Almost Turned Down Eva Marie almost passed on her iconic role in “North by Northwest.” After giving birth to her second child, she found the script unimpressive. Her husband, Jeffrey Hayden, encouraged her to reconsider. “I vividly remember him saying, ‘Honey … I’ll take care of the children, and I want you to really think about this and reread this script,’” she recalls. His advice was spot on, and she accepted the role.
3. A Subway Love Story Eva Marie met her future husband, TV director Jeffrey Hayden, in a rather unique way. It happened on the NYC subway in 1949, where she was carrying a modeling book with her name inscribed in gold letters. Jeffrey noticed the name and was intrigued. That serendipitous meeting led to a happy marriage that lasted 65 years until Jeffrey’s passing in 2016.
4. Almost Gave Birth on Stage When Eva Marie accepted her Oscar for “On the Waterfront,” she was nine months pregnant. On stage, she humorously remarked, “Thank you, I’m so excited. I may have the baby right here.” Luckily, she didn’t, but her son was born just two days later.
5. A Desire for a Normal Life Despite her success, Eva Marie never craved major fame. “I know I couldn’t have coped with [major] fame. And I’ve never had it — thank the Lord!” She preferred a normal life, even though people recognized her. This desire for normalcy helped her stay grounded throughout her career.
Today, at 99, Eva Marie Saint remains a symbol of grace and talent. Her rare public appearances remind us of the golden era of Hollywood and the lasting impact she has made on the film industry. Check out how she looks today, scroll for more pictures:
