Legendary actress found dead following an ‘unexpected accident’ during a walk near her home in Washington

Actress Anne Whitfield, celebrated for her role as Susan Waverly in the beloved 1954 film White Christmas, died aged 85 following an “unexpected accident” while taking a walk near her home in Washington.

Her tragic passing was announced by a member of her family. “She was a powerhouse in life, and we hope her immense positive energy flows out to those who had the pleasure of knowing her,” her obituary read.

Whitfield, whose mother taught speech and drama and whose father was a music director at the University of Mississippi, grew up in a household in which creativity was highly valued so her finding herself being interested in arts didn’t come as a surprise.