WHITE CHRISTMAS Actress Anne Whitfield Dies at 85
By Movieguide® Contributor
Anne Whitfield, who played Susan Waverly in WHITE CHRISTMAS, has died at the age of 85.
“Annie passed away on February 15, 2024, surrounded by family at Valley Memorial Hospital after suffering an unexpected accident while on a walk in her neighborhood,” her obituary reads.
“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,” her family wrote.
Whitfield was just 15 years old when she played Susan Waverly, and though she found success in Hollywood, appearing on shows like FATHER KNOWS BEST and THE DONNA REED SHOW, she left the entertainment industry in her 40s.
“Los Angeles didn’t have enough trees for her and she left Hollywood for her new life ‘up north’ in the 1970’s,” her family wrote.
Whitfield loved nature and the great outdoors.
“Annie was most at home hiking the trails of Mount Rainier, often with her son Evan who was her favorite hiking buddy, but also with many other friends,” the obituary reads. “Even after two hip replacements she would slowly power her way up the trails of her favorite mountain, accompanied by the soft, constant whistling she would make to keep herself company.”
Before she passed, “Annie’s greatest wish is for her family and future generations to thrive in a world characterized by love, acceptance, natural beauty, and the cessation of political and social injustices. She was a powerhouse in life and we hope her immense positive energy flows out to those who had the pleasure of knowing her.”
Whitfield is “survived by her three adult children: eldest daughter Julie Stevens of Columbia Falls, Montana; Julie’s daughter Emery (Neil Hearns), and sons Luke and Alex; son Evan Schiller of West Seattle (Linda Schiller) and their sons Quinn and Logan; and youngest daughter Allison Phillips of Menlo Park (Peter Freed) and their daughters Frances and Aviva.”
Pray for Whitfield’s entire family as they mourn the loss of a beloved family member.
Movieguide®’s review for WHITE CHRISTMAS reads:
The 1954 movie WHITE CHRISTMAS is a timeless classic Christmas musical which remains entertaining for all ages. This Oscar winner is set in Vermont after musical duo Wallace and Davis follow the Hayne Sisters to a hotel in Vermont run by Wallace and Davis’ General from World War II in Europe. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play the two men while the sisters are played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. They decide to use their talents to help the General attract visitors to the hotel, but complications ensue.
WHITE CHRISTMAS is enchanting and filled with beautiful dance numbers, fabulous photography and gorgeous singing from the whole cast. The movie is magnificently shot with Irving Berlin’s classic score setting the tone. Bing Crosby’s crystal blue eyes and crooning voice still captures viewers’ hearts decades later. The choreography is reminiscent of Hollywood and Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse’s style of dance, which can be seen in many movie musicals. Although WHITE CHRISTMAS is a Christmas movie, it truly can be enjoyed any time of year. MOVIEGUIDE® suggests Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS for families of all ages.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
