Ann Blyth, Oscar-Nominated Star of ‘Mildred Pierce,’ Passes Away at 98

Ann Blyth, the acclaimed actress and singer best known for her Oscar-nominated role as Veda in the 1945 classic film Mildred Pierce, has passed away at the age of 98. Blyth died of natural causes on Wednesday, as reported by KABC’s George Pennacchio.

A Celebrated Career in Film and Music

Blyth was not only an actress but also an operatic soprano. She introduced the memorable song “The Loveliest Night of the Year” while portraying Enrico Caruso’s wife in The Great Caruso (1951). Her film career flourished with notable performances in several MGM musicals, including Rose Marie (1954), The Student Prince (1954), and Vincente Minnelli’s Kismet (1955).

In addition to her musical roles, Blyth showcased her versatility in dramatic performances. She played Burt Lancaster’s wife in the prison drama Brute Force (1947) and starred as a mermaid in the fantasy film Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid (1948).

Breakthrough Role in Mildred Pierce

After leaving MGM, Blyth signed with Warner Bros. and starred in two biopics in 1957: The Buster Keaton Story and The Helen Morgan Story, where she portrayed an alcoholic torch singer opposite Paul Newman.

At just 16, Blyth landed the role of the spoiled Veda in Mildred Pierce. Hundreds of teenagers auditioned for the part, but Joan Crawford, who was also cast in the film, recognized Blyth’s talent and supported her during the screen test. Blyth later reflected on this experience, noting the significance of Crawford’s involvement in her audition.

Crawford’s instincts proved correct; she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, while Blyth received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Veda, a character willing to go to extreme lengths for wealth.

Critical Acclaim and Personal Challenges

Critics praised Blyth’s performance in Mildred Pierce, with one review highlighting her exceptional grasp of a challenging role. The film’s success solidified her status in Hollywood, but her career faced a significant hurdle shortly after filming. Just five days after wrapping the movie, Blyth suffered a serious back injury in a sledding accident near Lake Arrowhead, California. She spent seven months in a body cast and additional time in a wheelchair but managed to attend the 1946 Oscars, wearing a gown designed to accommodate her back brace.

In the 1970s, Blyth re-emerged in the public eye through a series of commercials for Hostess Cupcakes, introducing her to a new generation of viewers.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Born Anne Marie Blythe on August 16, 1927, in Mount Kisco, New York, she was raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. After her father left the family, her mother raised Blyth and her older sister. Blyth began her career at a young age, performing on radio shows and with the San Carlos Opera Company.

At school, she was approached by writer Lillian Hellman and producer-director Herman Shumlin, who invited her to audition for a role in the Broadway drama Watch on the Rhine. She secured the part, turning 13 during the production’s run.

Following the Broadway success, Blyth toured the country with the play and even dined with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House.

Continued Success and Personal Life

In 1943, Blyth signed with Universal Studios, where she quickly became a competitor to Deanna Durbin. She starred in several musicals released in 1944, including Chip Off the Old Block, Babes on Swing Street, The Merry Monahans, and Bowery to Broadway.

After her recovery from the sledding accident, she continued to work in films, appearing in titles such as Killer McCoy (1947), Another Part of the Forest (1948), and Slander (1957). Her last feature film was The Helen Morgan Story, after which she stepped away from the big screen, despite being considered for a role in The Three Faces of Eve (1957).

Blyth also had a successful nightclub act in Las Vegas and made appearances on various television shows, including Wagon Train, The Twilight Zone, and Murder, She Wrote.

In 1953, she married Los Angeles obstetrician James McNulty, with whom she had five children. The couple remained together until McNulty’s death in 2007.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-06-26 04:05:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk