The beloved star of the holiday classic White Christmas has passed away at the age of 85. Her family shared the sad news, revealing that the veteran actress tragically died in an “unexpected accident” while she was out for a walk near her home in Washington, D.C.
Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips, best known for playing Susan Waverly in the 1954 film White Christmas, passed away at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington, with her family by her side.
In a touching statement, her family wrote, “The life of Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips was a beautiful one, with every moment dedicated to uplifting the world and those around her.
Through the kindness of neighbors who provided expert medical support, we were gifted the opportunity to say goodbye and express our love and gratitude—a gift we will always cherish.”
Just last December, Anne celebrated the 70th anniversary of White Christmas by watching the film with her family. Though she was a talented actor, Anne longed for a life surrounded by natural beauty, something she found lacking in Los Angeles.
So in the 1970s, she made the bold decision to leave Hollywood and move “up north” to start a new life. There, she devoted herself to causes that promoted peace and the protection of nature.
Even after stepping away from the spotlight, Anne remained deeply committed to activism and community organizing, passionately working on these causes right up until her final days. Of all the roles she played, being a mother to her three children and a grandmother to her seven grandchildren was the most cherished. Her family will deeply miss her loving presence.
Anne was born on August 27, 1938, in Oxford, Mississippi. Her career began early when she was a child, performing in radio dramas. Even while attending UCLA, she continued to pursue her passion for acting.
When Anne was just four years old, her mother moved with her to Hollywood to help launch her career, while her father served overseas as the leader of the Army Band.
By 1949, she was already performing in theater, starring in productions like Annie Get Your Gun. Her career continued to grow, and she began landing small roles on television shows such as Racket Squad, One Man’s Family, and Hollywood Opening Night.
At just 15, she secured her iconic role in White Christmas, which made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Anne continued acting in small film roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with her final film appearance in Robert Altman’s 1999 comedy Cookie’s Fortune. Her journey through Hollywood and beyond was one of talent, grace, and a deep love for the world around her.
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