Ann Blyth sadly passed away at the age of 98. Audiences best remember her for her Oscar-nominated role of Joan Crawford in the 1945 hit Mildred Pierce. Ann, one of the last remaining stars of her era, reportedly passed away due to natural causes on Wednesday, June 24.
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Throughout her career, Ann showcased a range of skills. She was a trained opera singer, making her a comfortable pick for musicals or fantasy roles. However, Ann was just as dominant when partaking in more drama-based projects, too, making her a titan of Hollywood during her prime.
When speaking with Life Magazine in 1958, Ann spoke of the importance she placed on her role as a female figurehead within her community.
"As an actress, I have always believed that the truer challenge, the deeper obligation, begins after the camera stops," Blyth said, via PEOPLE. "My role as a woman in my community and in my home has always overshadowed the excitement of any part I have ever played on stage or screen."
According to Jacqueline T. Lynch, who wrote and published a biography for Ann, the actress's career suddenly took a downward turn once it became clear that she was living a quiet lifestyle anchored by her commitment to the church.
"When the publicity department and gossip columnists got hold of the news of her quiet, church-going private life, they put a different spin on her career trajectory, and the studios relegated her to more lightweight roles," Lynch told Broadway World in 2017, via PEOPLE. "I guess they thought it would be hard for the public to accept her in villain roles when they were fed so many stories on her being a nice girl."
Ann Blyth Amassed 48 Acting Credits in Her Career
There's no denying that Ann's heyday came throughout the 1940s. Roles in hits such as Chip Off the Old Block and Another Part of the Forest cemented her versatility and skill.
Ann churned out titles in rapid succession after hitting the big screen. Between 1944 and 1957, she was involved in multiple classics, per IMDb. From there, the pace of her work began to dwindle. Her final movie role came in 1960 in The Citadel. After that, she was resigned to cameo appearances on television shows.
In 1985, Ann made her final television appearance, starring in one episode of Murder She Wrote, where she played Francesca Lodge.
Currently, there's no information regarding Ann's impending funeral. Those details will likely remain private for family and close friends.
