LOS ANGELES (AP) – Ann Blyth, a renowned American actress celebrated for her versatility in film and music, has passed away at the age of 98. She died of “natural causes” on Wednesday at her home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, surrounded by her family, according to her daughter, Eileen McNulty.
Blyth gained prominence in Hollywood as a talented young actress, earning an Oscar nomination at just 17 years old for her role as Veda, the wayward daughter of Joan Crawford in the acclaimed film “Mildred Pierce.” Throughout her career, she starred alongside notable actors such as Bing Crosby, Tyrone Power, Gregory Peck, and Robert Mitchum. Although she retired from films by the late 1950s to focus on her family, Blyth continued to perform in television musicals and various stage productions.
Born in 1928 in Mount Kisco, New York, Ann Blyth was the daughter of an Irish mother and an English valet father. After her father left the family, her mother, Nan Blyth, supported them by working in beauty parlors and was determined to see her daughter succeed as an actress. Ann began her career at the age of five by appearing on a New York radio show.
Blyth's big break came at the age of 13 when she was cast as Paul Lukas’s daughter in Lillian Hellman’s anti-Nazi play “Watch on the Rhine.” The play was a significant success, running almost a year on Broadway and another year while touring, leading to her signing a contract with Universal Studios. Her early film appearances included low-budget musicals alongside Donald O’Connor.
One of Blyth’s most memorable performances came in 1945 with “Mildred Pierce,” directed by Michael Curtiz. The film is regarded as a classic of film noir and highlighted Blyth's talent as an actress capable of playing complex characters. Her portrayal of Veda, a character who seduces her mother’s second husband and later commits murder, allowed her to break away from the cheerful roles she previously held, setting a new direction for her career.
In 1946, Blyth suffered a serious toboggan accident that left her with a broken back. Following several months of recovery, she returned to acting, appearing in films such as “Swell Guy,” “Brute Force,” and “Killer McCoy.” She also showcased her dramatic capabilities in “A Woman’s Vengeance” and took on a pivotal role in Hellman’s prequel “Another Part of the Forest.”
Her evolution into a musical star began in 1951 with “The Great Caruso,” where she co-starred with tenor Mario Lanza. Following this success, she participated in other notable musicals, including “The Student Prince,” “Rose Marie,” and “Kismet.” Her last film appearance was in 1957 in “The Helen Morgan Story,” which co-starred Paul Newman.
Blyth married Dr. James McNulty in 1953, with whom she had five children. Their marriage lasted until McNulty’s death in 2007. In a historic moment during the 1954 Oscars, she made headlines by performing the song “Secret Love” while visibly pregnant. Ann Blyth's contribution to entertainment was not only significant in film but also in music, as she embarked on concert tours and continued to perform in various musicals throughout her life.
Throughout her career, Blyth was recognized for her beauty and talent, often dubbed “Incorruptible!” and “Angelic Annie.” Despite facing challenges, including a life-altering injury, she maintained a strong focus on her family and faith, which she credited for strengthening her during difficult times. Ann Blyth’s career and legacy reflect a remarkable journey through the golden age of Hollywood.
