Luminary actress Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips, known professionally as Anne Whitfield, has died at the age of 85 as a result of injuries she sustained from an “unexpected accident” that occurred during a neighborhood walk.
“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,” the statement reads.
The famed actress is renowned for her role in the 1954 classic holiday film, “White Christmas,” which she was cast in at age 15. The film also starred singer, actor, and radio personality Bing Crosby, who passed away in 1977. However, Ms. Whitfield’s start in the entertainment industry began long before this memorable role.
Born in Oxford, Mississippi in 1938, the young starlet moved to Hollywood with her mother, Frances—who also served as her agent and acting coach—when the actress was just four years old. She swiftly landed an array of old-time radio roles. Three years later, she was cast in nationally broadcast radio programs like “The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show” and “One Man’s Family.”
Remembering Anne Whitfield
Ms. Whitfield eventually left her career in Hollywood in the 1970s, moving to Olympia, Washington, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications at Evergreen State College.According to her obituary, she became “devoted to causes that promote peace and preserve nature,” and was an ardent activist for environmental concerns and other social justice issues, such as providing care to those experiencing homelessness.
“Annie’s greatest loves other than her family and friends were being in nature and traveling the world,” her family wrote. “Annie wanted to visit as many countries as she could during her lifetime and hiked the mountains of many world destinations.” These included Nepal, Patagonia, Iceland, Machu Picchu in Peru, Austria, and Switzerland.
“In North America, she explored the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, Montana, and Colorado,” the obituary continues. “She backpacked in the Alaska backcountry and the Sierra Nevadas of California.”
The impassioned explorer also visited Mexico, England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Thailand, India, and New Zealand, among many other countries.
Ms. Whitfield later moved to Burien, Washington in 2005, where she opened a bed and breakfast. “She loved her home and community, and was always happy to welcome friends and family in to share a glass of red wine, game of Bananagrams, or bowl of bean soup,” the obituary reads.
“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,” it continues. “She was a powerhouse in life and we hope her immense positive energy flows out to those who had the pleasure of knowing her.”
Ms. Whitfield is survived by her three children—Julie Stevens, Evan Schiller, and Allison Phillips—as well as her seven grandchildren, Emery, Luke, Alex, Quinn, Logan, Frances, and Aviva. Per her obituary, the actress and her family celebrated the holidays together this past December and were able to watch her film, “White Christmas,” in celebration of its 70th anniversary.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held in Normandy Park, Washington, on Mar. 22 for friends and family.
