Oscar nominee Ann Blyth, one of the last surviving stars from Hollywood's Golden Age, died peacefully on Wednesday, 24th June, from natural causes at the age of 98, less than two months before her 99th birthday. KABC's George Pennacchio confirmed the news on Facebook on Thursday 25th June.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Stardom
Blyth launched her career as a child performer in the 1930s with radio appearances, then moved to Broadway at age 12 and made her first film at 14. Over a career spanning more than 70 years, she appeared in 35 movies, musical theatre, and television. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Veda opposite Joan Crawford in the 1945 film Mildred Pierce.
Final Years and Tributes
Pennacchio wrote on Facebook: 'She was only 16 when she was nominated for an Oscar! Ann began performing on the radio when she was only six. She was on Broadway at the age of 12 and she made her first film at 14. Ann was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as "Veda" opposite Joan Crawford in the 1945 film, Mildred Pierce.' He added: 'Her career spanned more than 70 years in musical theatre, on television and in 35 movies. She also toured for years, singing songs from the Great American Songbook with Bill Hayes and Donald O'Connor.'
Blyth was active in philanthropy and volunteered for many causes. Her family said she loved her garden, knitting, and oil painting, often gifting her work to friends and family. She and her late husband, Dr. James McNulty, had five children, 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame bears her name. Her family noted she personally answered all her fan mail.
Tributes poured in on Facebook. One user wrote: 'Wow. I saw her in 2024 at 96 yrs old and she looked great! I thought she would live to 100! Rip.' Another remarked: 'She was so talented. Not only as a dramatic actress, but in musicals as well. Her real singing voice was gorgeous in MGM's Rose Marie, The Student Prince and Kismet.'
