Oscar-winning actress Eva Marie Saint dies aged 102

Eva Marie Saint, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood films such as "On the Waterfront" and "North by Northwest," has passed away at the age of 102. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her debut role in "On the Waterfront," where she played Edie Doyle, the love interest of Marlon Brando's conflicted character. Five years later, she portrayed the femme fatale Eve Kendall in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "North by Northwest," captivating audiences with her allure and talent.

Saint was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1924 and initially aspired to become a teacher. However, her passion for theatre led her to train at the Herbert Berghof Studio and the Actors Studio, which was co-founded by her future collaborator, director Elia Kazan. Her performance in "On the Waterfront" brought her widespread recognition, solidifying her place in Hollywood history.

Despite the demanding nature of her roles, particularly in Hitchcock's "North by Northwest," Saint admired her co-star Cary Grant, describing him as "very demanding" but also "working with me from the outside in." She attributed her longevity in acting to the depth she gained from years of life experiences and emotional insights.

After a brief hiatus to raise a family with her director husband, Jeffrey Hayden, Saint made a notable comeback in 2006, starring as Superman's adoptive mother in "Superman Returns." She also appeared in other notable films such as "Winter's Tale" and "Mariette in Ecstasy." Saint, who has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, expressed that her extended career allowed her to become a "better actress" due to her accumulated knowledge and life experiences. She is survived by her two children and her late husband.