At 100 years old, Eva Marie Saint has captivated audiences not only with her remarkable performances but also with her inspiring life story.

Known for her roles in classic films, particularly Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, Saint’s journey from a small-town girl to an Oscar-winning actress is filled with resilience, talent, and charm.

Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Eva Marie Saint faced challenges early on.

Surviving scarlet fever as a child instilled in her a strong spirit.

Her parents, Ava and John Merl Saint, nurtured her independence and responsibility, teaching her valuable life lessons even after an accidental fire she started as a child.

 

Saint’s love for performing emerged at a young age.

At 12, she won a talent contest by impersonating Shirley Temple, which foreshadowed her future in entertainment.

After high school, she attended Bowling Green State University, where she overcame severe stage fright to pursue acting.

Despite initial rejections, her persistence paid off, leading to her first television role in 1948 and eventually landing her on Broadway.

 

Saint’s big break came in 1954 with the film *On the Waterfront*, directed by Elia Kazan.

Her portrayal of Edie Doyle earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

This role marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability.

 

The casting process for *On the Waterfront* was intense, with numerous actresses vying for the role.

However, Kazan recognized Saint’s natural talent and chemistry with Marlon Brando, solidifying her place in Hollywood.

The film’s success not only garnered critical acclaim but also significantly boosted her career, increasing her salary dramatically.

 

In 1959, Alfred Hitchcock cast Saint in *North by Northwest*, a decision that surprised many in Hollywood.

At 34, she was considered older than the typical leading lady, yet Hitchcock saw something unique in her.

He believed she could embody both innocence and sensuality, qualities essential for her character, Eve Kendall.

 

Hitchcock’s meticulous nature extended to Saint’s appearance and voice.

He personally selected her wardrobe, spending a staggering $50,000 on designer clothes, and worked with her to modify her voice to sound more seductive.

Despite the challenges, Saint thrived under Hitchcock’s guidance, delivering a performance that would become iconic in film history.

One of the most memorable scenes in *North by Northwest* involved a thrilling chase on Mount Rushmore.

The production faced significant hurdles, including opposition from the National Park Service.

However, Hitchcock’s determination and creativity led to the creation of one of cinema’s most famous sequences.

 

Saint’s portrayal of Eve Kendall was different from the typical Hitchcock blonde.

She brought maturity and intelligence to the role, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.

Her performance not only solidified her status as a leading actress but also contributed to the film’s enduring legacy as one of Hitchcock’s best works.

 

After *North by Northwest*, Saint’s career continued to flourish.

She starred in notable films such as *Exodus* and *The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming*, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

In the 1970s, she shifted her focus to television, earning an Emmy for her role in *People Like Us*.

 

Beyond her professional achievements, Saint’s personal life was equally fulfilling.

She married director Jeffrey Hayden in 1951, and their 65-year marriage was a testament to love and partnership in Hollywood.

Together, they raised two children, Daryl and Lorett, instilling in them values of hard work and dedication.

 

Saint was not only a talented actress but also a compassionate individual.

She actively supported civil rights movements and worked with various charities, including Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses.

 

As she reached her 100th birthday, Eva Marie Saint was celebrated for her contributions to the arts.

In 2023, she received a standing ovation at the Academy Awards, a testament to her enduring legacy in the film industry.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild.

 

Saint’s humor and humility have endeared her to fans and colleagues alike.

Reflecting on her long career, she once joked, “I’ve been in this business so long I remember when the casting couch was just a love seat.

” This lightheartedness, combined with her immense talent, has made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Eva Marie Saint’s journey from a young girl in Newark to a Hollywood icon is a story of perseverance, talent, and grace.

As she celebrates her 100th birthday, her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

With a career spanning nearly eight decades, Saint remains a shining example of how passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements in the world of entertainment.

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did you campaign for an Oscar back then I don’t think I knew what the word was politicians campaign right no I mean it was just different you know she was the last person Hitchcock expected to cast in North by Northwest at 34 they said she was too old too innocent not blonde enough but Eva Marie Saint had a secret that would change everything one she kept from the master of suspense himself now at 100 she’s finally revealing the truth about those steamy scenes with Carrie Grant and why Hitchcock never knew what really

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happened between his Stars Eva mace Saint was born on July 4th 1924 in Newark New Jersey being born on Independence Day seemed fitting for someone who would grow up to have a bold and independent Spirit her parents were Ava Marie and John Merl Saint at just 3 years old Ava almost died from scarlet fever doctors didn’t think she would survive but she did this tough start gave her strength that she carried with her for the rest of her life when she was seven Eva accidentally started a fire in her family’s garage while

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playing with matches instead of punishing her her parents used the moment to teach her about being responsible this lesson stuck with her shaping how she approached challenges later on during the Great Depression her family struggled financially like many others but her father found clever ways to help them get by one time in 1935 he traded A month’s worth of tire sales for a cow so they could have fresh milk Eva’s first taste of Performing came when she was 12 she won a local talent contest by pretending to be

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Shirley Temple her prize was a year’s supply of ice cream which she shared with her neighbors it was a small Act of generosity but it hinted at the warmth and Charisma she would later show on screen as a teenager AA started collecting four leaf clovers by the time she graduated from high school in 1942 she had found an incredible 743 of them she called them her lucky charm and many people believed they helped her on her path to Hollywood After High School Ava planned to follow her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher